Dave’s Free Car Repair Advice

Now is the time to have your car in its best running condition for the best fuel economy possible.

Here are a few tips to keep up on your vehicle:

1. First, check your tire pressure on all 4 tires. On a normal car they should read between 32 and 35 psi when the tire is cold. Be sure all tires have the same pressure.
2. If your car is pulling to the left or right while traveling, have the alignment checked. Those with front wheel drive vehicles should get front and rear aligned to insure straight driving.
3. Check your air filter under the hood. A dirty air filter can really bog down your fuel economy. Get a new one if it is dusty or just plain dirty.
4. Have your spark plugs replaced. This will keep combustion at its peak in the cylinders and improve exhaust emissions thereby maximizing fuel economy.
5. Make sure your vacuum lines under the hood are not cracked or pulled out of their connection.
6. Have your PCV (positive crankcase ventilation) checked and replaced if found to be bad.
7. Keep your engine clean so it can dissipate heat efficiently and run at its designed temperature.
8. Get rid of unnecessary weight in the trunk of your vehicle. Unused items add to weight you carry around resulting in less mileage.
9. Be sure to keep your spare tire and jack in its proper place although we all hope to never use them, they must stay with the vehicle.
10. Your coolant reservoir level should be at the “full cool level” when engine is cool to maximize thermal co-efficiency, preventing the engine from overheating. Never open the cap on a hot engine to add coolant. This would be very dangerous. Only open when the engine is cool.
11. If the “check engine” light is on, have a diagnostic tool hooked up to identify the trouble code and make the necessary repair.

These are just some of the basics that should be kept up on a regular basis. Most important of all to improve fuel mileage is your personal driving habits. We all have them.

Buckle up, Drive safe!
Dave