|
Get Better Gas Mileage
It is much easier to increase your fuel mileage than you think. There are many things that affect your mileage in a small way, but when you put them together, they can save you $300 - $700 a year in gas. That could buy you a nice little vacation, couldn't it? I will give you a lot of suggestions; you can pick the ones that suit you the best.
The first thing is speed. Most people do not know that the smallest difference in traveling speed has a very large effect on fuel economy. Traveling at 65 mph (104 kph) instead of 55 mph (88 kph) can waste 17% more fuel. That alone can add a few hundred dollars to your annual fuel bill.
Here are some points:
- Minimize daily warm ups to 30 seconds. Even at sub-zero temperatures, 30 seconds is all a car needs if you don't race away, and make sure to drive the car slowly for the first few miles. The rest of the time you're wasting gas.
- Higher octane gas (super unleaded) does not give your car more power or better fuel mileage. It means your car is more resistant to detonation. Purchasing the more expensive, higher octane, premium fuel provides no benefit to most cars. The only reason to use high octane gas is if your car is starting to "ping" (which is also called engine knock). This knock will not only rob your car of power and fuel mileage, but more importantly, depending on the severity, can ruin your engine over time.
- On the highway, use cruise control to reduce gas consumption. It helps maintain a steady speed and therefore better gas mileage.
- Don't fill the gas tank to the brim. Stop when the pump clicks off. Usually, tanks have overfill tubes and when you go around a corner with an overfilled tank, some gas spills out through this tube.
- Check tires regularly. Under-inflated tires can run hot and shorten the life of the tire and rob you of mileage - up to 4% for every 5 pounds it is under-inflated. Air expands with heat, so when inflating a warm tire add about 4-5 psi to your recommended tire pressure. In addition, for every 10% your tire is deflated, you increase tire wear 15%.
- Some people over inflate their tires to get less rolling resistance and therefore better fuel economy. It does work, but there is a catch. You can get premature and uneven tire wear and end up replacing your tires much sooner than normal. The money you save on gas is more or less the same as the added expense of replacing your tires much sooner.
- Use your air conditioner sparingly because your engine has to power the air conditioner compressor. By using the air conditioner, you can increase your fuel consumption by 10% on the highway, and up to 20% in stop and go traffic.
- Some companies are marketing a product termed a "gasbooster" that retails between $25-$100. Each product uses the principle of ionizing the gas with a new gas line material or using the heat from the water hoses to help vaporize the fuel/air mixture. The product manufacturers claim a 3-5% better fuel economy and can reduce pollution by up to 15%. I have personally tested many of them, and they did not live up to their promises. There may be one out there that works, but I haven't seen it yet. And if these products are so great, improve fuel consumption and reduce pollution, why isn't every car manufacturer putting them on their vehicles?! It would only cost them a dollar or so in mass quantities.
- Many major gas companies or retail and department chain stores offer a percentage discount from your gas bill if you purchase gas on their credit card. Usually they will give you between 5 cents to 15 cents per gallon (depending on the total quantity purchased over a month). This can really add up at the end of the month. Just inquire the next time you are filling up at your favorite service station.
- Save up to 1.5% by removing unnecessary items from the car (commonly in the trunk). For every 100 pounds in extra weight, the car eats up 0.5% more gas.
- If you have a carbureted engine, a poorly tuned car can use 5-9% more gas then normal.
- Save up to 4% by taking your snow tires off as soon as it is safe to do so.
- You can save up to 5% by removing roof racks that create wind drag.
- Use premium multi-grade oils to save up to 5% on your fuel consumption. Friction modified oils can improve your mileage. Use low viscosity oil in the winter, like SAE 5W30 or 10W30. Also, start using EC (Energy Conserving) or EC II grade oils. EC oil reduces fuel consumption by up to 1.5 - 2.7%.
- Try to conserve the car's momentum. It takes 600% more gas to move a car from a dead stop compared to one that has a couple mph's momentum. By observing traffic conditions and maintaining a reasonable distance from the car ahead of you. This will reduce braking and allow you to keep the car's momentum. The gas it takes to accelerate from 0-35 mph in half a city block could have carried you a half a mile at 35 mph. Simply getting out of poor driving habits can save 10-25%
- Radial tires can cut 3-4% of your fuel bill.
- If you own a pick-up truck, remove your tailgate (or put it down) for any highway driving. The tailgate acts like a drag chute giving you very poor fuel economy as much as a 15% loss). If you don't want to remove your tailgate; you can use a soft net-type gate or get a bed cover to almost eliminate the drag chute affect.
- Expect up to 10% drop in fuel economy in heavy rains, and 1-2% for every 10 degree Fahrenheit drop in temperature.
- Fuel consumption is heavy in the first 20 minutes after start-up, especially in winter months, because the car hasn't fully warmed up to its efficient temperature. To reduce this effect, use a block heater. Purchase one with a timer so it comes on 2-3 hours before you have to start the car. A warmer engine means easier starting and better fuel economy. This also reduces pollution to our environment since the car's emissions are much higher before it warms up.
- Avoid driving with an open sunroof or windows at highway speeds. It increases aerodynamic drag and wastes fuel (up to 8%). Use the vehicle's flow-through ventilation to provide fresh air for passengers.
- If you are going to be stopped for more than 60 seconds with the engine idling, shut it off. It takes more fuel to idle over 60 seconds than it does to start the car.
- Make sure your front wheels are aligned properly. A misaligned front end increases fuel consumption.
- Keep filters and catalytic converters clean. Dirty filters increase fuel consumption as much as 10% and studies have shown that 33% of all vehicles on the road are in need of a new air filter.
- A V-8 engine averages 17.5% greater fuel consumption than a V-6 (that could amount to as much as $500 per year in fuel savings). A four-speed automatic gives you 5% better fuel economy than a three-speed automatic transmission. Consider this when buying a car.
- Also, when buying a car, it is good to find out if it has a lock-up device in the torque converter. If it doesn't, it means there is probably always slippage, which can increase fuel consumption by 6%. The lock up reduces this slippage and saves wasted energy.
- An automatic transmission will have an average of 5-11% poorer fuel economy than to a 5 speed manual transmission that is used properly. Most people don't know that power steering can add 3% to fuel consumption with its added weight and strain on the engine.
- By driving in a straight line instead of letting the car wander from side to side in the driving lane, you can save up to 2 mpg.
- A new car that is "broken in" properly can get as much as 5% better fuel economy throughout its life. Refer to the owner's manual for "break-in" procedures.
- When you go to foreign countries, many do not have gas pumps that reset to zero after each use. Many unsuspecting tourists are fleeced when they pay for their own gas and the gas registered on the pump before them. This is very common in Mexico. Don't end up paying for 50 liters of gas instead of the 30 liters you actually pumped.
- If you do an excessive amount of traveling, you may consider changing your final drive gear. You might want to get a low axle ratio gear so that the car's engine can turn the wheels faster at the same r.p.m.; therefore getting better fuel mileage. This lower final drive ratio is sometimes an option when buying a new car.
- Cars are usually "air-starved" at high speed. If you do a lot of highway driving it may be worth your while to use a homemade air ram. Purchase a length of air duct, similar to the type under the dash of your car, and attach one open end behind the front grill so air is forced into the tube. Cut an opening in the air cleaner intake and attach the other end of the air duct with sheet metal screws there (you can use duct tape to seal the connection if you wish). This will achieve better fuel mileage at highway driving speeds if your engine is "air- starved".
- A fantastic tip used by truckers everywhere is to purchase gas on Indian reserves. You can buy gas at 25
- 40% discount because there are no taxes on gas on the reserves. Most maps mark Indian reserves clearly, and many times they are just a few miles from major interstates. Plan your trip to stop and fill up on reserves and save big dollars.
- Split Fire® plugs claim to give you 4.8% better gas mileage and a smoother running engine. Although you will probably see a slight increase in gas mileage, it is not guaranteed. I don't think it will be as high as 4.8%. We didn't notice any significant difference in our test car, but feel free to try it; maybe you will find a difference.
- Converting to propane is another alternative. Although this is an expensive project, you will save approximately 30 - 50% on your present fuel cost (depending on local propane fuel prices). With this type of saving, the conversion process could easily pay for itself within a year. After that, you are saving 30 - 50% for doing absolutely nothing but using an alternative fuel. Because propane is considered a cleaner fuel, it can mean smoother acceleration and idling, reduced engine maintenance, overall improved performance and less air pollution (carbon dioxide, is partially responsible for the greenhouse effect). As you may already know, most taxi cabs are converting to propane or natural gas. Tokyo has been using this system to improve air quality for many years now.
- Consider buying a diesel engine next time you are in the market for a new car. The disadvantages are: the initial purchase price is more, it's noisier and has less horsepower. The advantages are: much greater fuel economy (usually 25 - 30%), higher resale value and maintenance is lower due to a more simple engine. The best customer for a diesel engine is one who drives more than 15,000 miles a year. If lack of power is a concern, try a turbo diesel. They have about the same horsepower as a gas engine of the same size.
Lack of Power
Symptoms correlated to ‘lack of power’ include surging, chugging, and lack of throttle response under a load.
Lack of power is most commonly associated to lack of fuel or lack of ignition. Lack of fuel is related to inadequate fuel pump pressure, lack of volume, or fuel filter restriction.
Lack of ignition is linked to spark plugs, ignition coils, and ignition wires. Problems related to the above areas can in some instances be related to a lack of regular maintenance as set by your vehicle manufacturer. Some problems can be caught early when you have a trained technician regularly servicing your vehicle.
Less common reasons for ‘lack of power’ include electronic component failure or restricted exhaust. Electronic component failure at any of the following may create lack of power; mass air flow sensor, map sensor, O2 sensors, dirty or failed fuel injectors. When failure occurs in these electronic components usually your check engine light or service engine soon light will come on. Restricted exhaust is related to a restricted catalytic converter.
 |
 |
Is it time for an alignment?
Signs and symptoms that an alignment is needed include uneven tire wear, drifting, pulling, and steering wheel not centered. When your wheel alignment is out, the tires don’t stay true to the road.
Vehicles that have independent suspension require a 4 wheel alignment whenever an alignment is performed.
Alignment is not necessary when new tires are put on your vehicle but it is recommended.
An alignment takes anywhere from 45 minutes to 2 hours depending on how out of alignment your vehicle is.
Regular recommended maintenance “alignment check” is every 6 months. This is to prevent premature tire wear and maintain proper handling ability.
The alignment check will also verify any worn or loose suspension components that could lead to further tire wear and safety issues.
SHAKE, RATTLE, AND ROLL
Ever notice your vehicle pulling to one side at slow speeds and pulling to the opposite side at high speeds? Strange as it sounds, this can and does happen.
There are many possible reasons for vibrations and pulls but here are the most common reasons. Some are simpler than you would think.
A pull to one side at low speed usually indicates that a tire is bad or low on air.
At high speeds a pull to one side is associated with wheel alignment or a bad tire.
A vibration at high speed and a specific speed usually is as simple as a tire imbalance.
If you step on the brake pedal, and feel a vibration in the steering wheel, the front brake rotors are most likely warped.
If you step on the brake, and feel the vibration in your seat or the brake pedal itself, this indicates that the rear brake drums are ‘out of round’.
If you have experienced any of these symptoms, we can diagnose and correct the problem.
Cleaner Air
Over the years, measures have been taken to decrease air pollutants created by various manufacturing companies and vehicles. We have a long way to go, and despite our best efforts, particulate matter continues to exist in the air we breathe.
Auto manufacturers have added an air filter specifically designed to trap pollen, bacteria, dust, and exhaust gases that may find their way into your vehicle's ventilation system. It's called the Cabin Air Filter.
It is important to keep your Cabin Air Filter changed regularly not only to create a healthier cabin atmosphere but for you're air conditioning system as well. A dirty Cabin Air Filter restricts the flow of air. This can burden your vehicle's air conditioning and heating system as it attempts to circulate air through the dirty filter.
Cabin air filters are specific for each type of vehicle. Replacement takes approximately 30-60 minutes.
How clean is the air you're breathing? When was the last time you had your Cabin Air Filter replaced?
|
|
A/C System Dye
The hot summer season is descending upon us. The air conditioning system in your vehicle is your new best friend.
There are two possible symptoms that indicate a failing A/C system. Either it blows warm air or blows intermittent cold and warm air.
Evaluation of your A/C system takes approximately 10 to 30 minutes and involves an inspection of hoses for cracks, leaking around fittings, presence of refrigerant dye, pressure within the system, amount of refrigerant in the system, and electrical function. Proper A/C system operation is dependant upon proper engine-cooling system operation; therefore this system will also be inspected.
A key element in proper A/C diagnosis is the use of refrigerant dye as it will clearly indicate any leaks in the system. After the dye is instilled, the A/C system is turned on and the dye circulates through the system. Then a black light is used and if any leaks are present the dye will immediately illuminate yellow.
The most common A/C system problem is leaking at the compressor and the system hoses.
|
|
Spring Cleaning For My Car?
There are many systems in your vehicle that collect dirt and debris and need our attention yearly, much like spring cleaning your home. However, there's another type of cleaning that's needed about every two years and it's so important, vehicle manufacturers mandate this cleaning to keep your warranty valid.
Carbon buildup inside the combustion chambers and fuel varnishing in your fuel injectors is inevitable, thanks to stop and go driving and fuel impurities.
Carbon buildup over time costs you money - you use more gas, increases air pollution, and can lead to mechanical failure.
Whether you have a warranty to keep valid or not, spring cleaning of your vehicle is not such a bad idea afterall! There are two separate procedures for removing carbon deposits and fuel varnish. The Engine Decarb and the Fuel Injection Clean. The amount of time it takes depends on your vehicle and ranges between 30 minutes and 2 hours.
Mice/Rats + Vehicle = Potential Problems
Your vehicle stays warm for hours after you turn it off, a perfect place for a nest. They carry twigs, trash, just about anything to create a nest under the hood of a vehicle. And for dinner, they decide to nibble on electrical wires. Park a vehicle in the same spot every night and these uninvited guests know right where their nest is. Sometimes they find their way into the cab of your vehicle all the way to your trunk, leaving their droppings as evidence that they’ve been there.
For those of you new to the area, this scenario is very common. In fact, my ignition wires have been chewed to the point of replacement, they have chewed away the insulation between my engine and cab, and one found it’s way into my trunk under the carpet and down into the spare tire area where it died, leaving behind the stench of something rotting.
Some symptoms we have seen that are related to mice and pack rats are: starting problems, inefficient charging, head/tail lights and dash lights not working, tinging sound at the radiator fan.
Have a question about your vehicle? Email us at team@ultimateautorepair.com
_
|
|
Car Battery + Arizona Heat = Not a good mix
The Arizona heat is especially hard on the electrolyte car battery found in most vehicles on the road today.
A dry cell battery will handle the Arizona heat better than any other type of battery. It is maintenance free, corrosion does not build-up, and it will last about 3 times longer than an electrolyte battery.
The dry cell battery is an investment. If you decide to trade-in or sell your vehicle, be sure to keep the dry cell battery and install it into your new vehicle. You’ll be glad you did. A customer recently shared his experience with the Optima dry cell battery; it has been in 3 of his vehicles over a period of 11 years!
Concerned about your battery life? Going on a long road trip? Battery efficiency can be tested and takes approximately 5 to 20 minutes.
~Al, Master Mechanic Ultimate Automotive Repair
Fuel filter
As a general rule, your fuel filter should be changed every 15,000 to 30,000 miles per manufacturer specifications. This applies to fuel filters that are located external to the fuel tank – most vehicles. Fuel filters that reside in the tank are usually changed every 100,000 miles. However, there are some symptoms that may lead your mechanic to suggest changing your fuel filter; no start, lack of power, bogging, and hesitation. These symptoms may be related to several other issues also.
The fuel filter removes debris and helps separate water from fuel preventing both from entering the fuel system. If either enter the fuel system, unnecessary component wear and failure is possible. The fuel filter also improves engine performance, fuel burns more efficiently when it is free of contaminants.
Depending on the location, internal vs. external to the fuel tank, the amount of time needed to change a fuel filter ranges from 20 minutes to 3 hours.
If you have any questions, or have experienced any of the above symptoms, please don’t hesitate to call, we’re here to help.
928-775-7575
Automatic Transmission and Towing
When towing a trailer, your transmission is put under an additional load.
Additional heat is generated by towing and may cause breakdown of the fluid and damage to components. Keep in mind that most automatic transmissions derive their cooling from the engine's cooling system. Commonly found in newer trucks, the auxiliary cooler adds to the system's ability to disperse abnormal heat, helping to keep transmission temperature within safe range.
Low fluid level or contaminated transmission fluid often cause premature wear.
Transmission fluid is the medium for transmitting power to the wheels and it also lubricates and cools the transmission.
With proper care your automatic transmission should last as long as the vehicle it’s in.
Proper care involves a transmission flush every 24000 – 30000 miles or when fluid has become discolored (dark brown) or smells burned, and a filter change at every other flush, or as recommended in your owner’s manual. This service takes anywhere from one to two hours.
More frequent service may be required if you tow a trailer, drive in severe climate states (such as Arizona), or if you demand severe use from your vehicle (for example off- roading in hilly terrain).
~Master Mechanic Al at Ultimate Automotive Repair
|
