Car Care Tips

If you want your vehicle to last, you need to treat it right, and that starts with the way you drive and care for it. Here are some things you can do to extend the life of your engine and get better mileage in the process.

Driving Habits

• Wash the mud off the underside of your car as soon as possible. The extra weight will reduce your mileage and force your engine to work harder.
• Combine your daily trips to reduce the number of miles you drive. Park in the center of the parking lot and walk from store to store instead of constantly starting and restarting your engine.
• Avoid using the AC when driving at slow speeds. At higher speeds, closing the windows and using the AC could actually boost your mileage.
• Avoid those jackrabbit starts and sudden stops. Pull up to stop signs gradually and pull out slowly.
• Do not leave your car idling for too long. Turn the engine off if you will be there for a long time.
• Limit your warm-ups in the wintertime. Modern vehicles do not need the long warm-up times their predecessors did.
• Clean out the trunk. That extra weight can reduce your mileage and make your engine work harder than it should.
• Drive at a reasonable speed. The faster you drive, the more fuel you consume.
• Use overdrive when possible. If your car has overdrive, using it will improve the efficiency of your engine and boost your gas mileage.
• Engage your cruise control. Cruise control keeps you at a consistent speed, increasing efficiency and reducing fuel usage.

Servicing Your Vehicle

• Replace your spark plugs at the recommended intervals. New spark plugs will ensure the proper fuel air mixture.
• Improve your intake/outtake and allow gas to get in and out more efficiently.
• Use high-quality synthetic motor oil to reduce friction and improve efficiency.
• Check your oil every time you get gas. Driving with low engine oil is dangerous, and it makes your engine work harder.
• Keep your filters clean. Changing the filters regularly could boost your mileage by as much as 10 percent.
• Keep your tires properly inflated. Check your tire pressure every time you gas up.
• Get regular tune-ups for your engine. A lot can go wrong over the course of a year, and getting your vehicle tuned up is the best way to keep on top of things.