Get prepared for the road
Car road accidents are increasing considerably especially in the high ways, some a result of unperformed vehicle maintenance. Most mechanical failures are a result of neglected maintenance. Checking tire pressure and inflating a tire costs nothing, but neglecting it can lead to a blowout and a serious accident. Other deficiencies are simple to detect such as low antifreeze/coolant, worn or loose drive belts and defective cooling system hoses, adjusting such points can save a lot of troubles.
Fuel Saving Tips
What makes your fuel get disappeared?
There are factors which increase the fuel consumption. Avoiding these factors will lead to fuel saving:
- Dirty air filter causes excessively rich fuel/air mixture.
- Dirty or substandard engine oil increases internal engine friction.
- Worn spark plugs cause inefficient combustion, wasted fuel.
- Under inflated tires increase rolling resistance.
- Loose gas cap allows fuel to evaporate.
- Worn O2 sensor unable to detect and adjust air/fuel mixture.
Neglecting all the above will lead to potential loss in fuel.
Advices to fuel-saving driving:
- Avoid excessive idling: Sitting idle gets zero miles per gallon. Letting the vehicle warm up for one to two minutes is sufficient.
- Observe the speed limit: Gas mileage decreases rapidly at speeds above 60 mph. Each mpg driven over 60 will result in an additional 10 cents per gallon. To maintain a constant speed on the highway, cruise control is recommended.
- Don't be an aggressive driver: Aggressive driving can lower gas mileage by as much as 33 percent on the highway and 5 percent on city streets, which results in 10 to 66 cents per gallon.
Lighting
- It is very important to check your exterior and interior lighting before the trip. It is recommended to check your lights on monthly basis. When you are driving your vehicles, especially at night and/or highways vehicle's lighting is defective, other drivers may not get the message that you intend to stop or turn. The end result could be disastrous.
Wipers
- Although climates vary, wipers generally need replacing every six months. An easy reminder is to change wiper blades in the spring and fall when you change your clock. Be sure the windshield washers are working properly.
10 Minute Pre-Trip Checkup can save you a lot
Recommended traveler's 10-minute pre-trip checklist:
- Check all fluids: Engine oil, power steering, brake and transmission fluids and windshield washer solvent and antifreeze/coolant, are all fluids that should be checked out.
- Check the tires. Check tire inflation and inspect the tread for uneven wear, indicating the need for wheel alignment. Also look for bulges and bald spots.
- Check hoses and belts. A belt, hat fails can affect the electrical system, air conditioning and power steering, as well as the cooling system. Cooling system hoses may be deteriorating from within, so old hoses and clamps in marginal condition might need to be replaced.
|
