COST SAVING TIPS
10 Minute Pre-Trip Checkup Can Pay Off
A properly maintained vehicle is safer and more dependable and will even
save a few dollars at the gas pumps. Motorists should plan ahead to allow
time to perform necessary maintenance themselves or at the local service
facility.
Car Care Council offers three suggestions for a traveler's 10-minute pre-
trip checklist:
- Check all fluids - There are several fluids that require attention: Engine Oil, power steering, brake and transmission fluids, and windshield washer solvent and antifreeze/coolant.
- Check all hoses and belts - A belt failure can affect the electrical system, air conditioning, power steering, and the cooling system. Cooling system hoses may be deteriorating from within, so old hoses and clamps in marginal condition might need to be replaced.
- 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.
Follow these tips to maximize fuel efficiency of your vehicle:
- Vehicle gas caps - about 17% of the vehicles on the roads have gas caps that are either damaged, loose or missing altogether, causing 147 million gallons of gas to vaporize every year.
- Under inflated tires - when tires aren't inflated properly it's like driving with a parking brake on. It can cost a mile or two per gallon.
- Worn spark plugs - A vehicle can have either four, six or eight spark plugs, which fire as many as 3 million times every 1,000 miles, resulting in electrical and chemical erosion from heat.
- Dirty air filters - A clogged air filter creates a "rich" mixture - the proportion of gas to air is incorrect. This wastes fuel and causes the engine to lose power. Replacing a clogged air filter can improve gas mileage by as much as 10%.
- Don't drive aggresively - Aggressive driving can lower gas mileage by as much as 33% on the highway and 5% on city streets.
- Avoid excessive idling - sitting idle gets zero miles per gallon. Letting the vehicle warm up for one to two minutes is sufficient.
- Drive the speed limit - Gas mileage decreases rapidly at speeds above 60 mph. Each mile driven over 60 results in an additional 10 cents per gallon. Increase fuel efficiency by using cruise control.
Discover More About Prices and Repair Services At Tech Hedz Automotive Repair in Nampa
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Reviews
Took my car to another repair shop whom replaced a bunch of hoses...... Didn't fix the problem so I took it to Tech Hedz they diagnosed the problem right off the bat and fixed it!! I'm Very, Very Happy!! Thanks Matt!! Steve H, 03/31/2021 |
I honestly can't give this place enough stars! I took my car in to get my AC replaced and they were very confident in what they were telling me, so I knew I could trust them! I ended up having an issue with my car a couple days after and I thought it could be connected to the AC so I contacted Matthew and let him know, and I took it in to him and he fixed my issue for me fast! I definitely won't be taking my car anywhere else if I need something fixed again in the future. Highly recommend them! Kimbra B, 03/31/2021 |
I have been taking my Cars to Matt for a few years now. He always does such a good job and has the fairest prices I've ever seen. It's worth the drive out to Nampa to get the best auto work around! Paul F, 03/31/2021 |