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.
What People Say About Us
They did a great job on a valve cover on my 4 runner.
DAVID P CASAREZ, 05/05/2021
I have been going to Anderson's Garage for more than 20 years. They always go above and beyond. They are knowledgeable and honest which is something I truly value. I recommend them highly.
We have been trusting our vehicles with Anderson Garage for over 30 years, and they have never disappointed us. Sean and team have maintained the high degree of integrity and quality that we first encountered with David Anderson (same location) back in the 1980s.
Doug & Jeanie Gantka, 07/30/2020
We have been taking our cars to Anderson Garage for several years now. They are definitely our "go to" shop whenever we need repair and service. Big or small they know it all! Honest, Reliable and Dependable as well as friendly and understanding are all the qualities they have that keep us coming back.
Douglas E. Handlin Insurance, Inc.
Carlos R. did a great job in caring for my car and was very professional. It is obvious he cares about his customers and is very knowledgeable. This was my first time at Anderson and his work earned my trust and earned Anderson Garage
my business for future vehicle work.
If you don't understand what your car is trying to tell you, bring it to theses folks. They talk "car".
