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
I won't go anywhere else! Laham's Auto has provided exceptional diagnostics, quality repairs, and customer service. Fred is an HONEST professional who offers attractive price and high quality work! I don't have to worry at all when I bring my car to Laham's!
We have done business with Fred for a long time, he is a great mechanic. Very honest! You can have any work done here and know you will be happy with the service, the price and the results. A+
I've been going to Fred for service for many years. Many of his customers are repeat and have been going there for years as well. Fred is a great mechanic and great at diagnosing hard to find problems. The prices are fair and he doesn't try to charge me for unnecessary service I don't need.
Honest, professional. I had to replace my radiator fan. VW JETTA. Dealership quoted $900 and told me I needed new battery for another $300 ($1,200 total). Laham's had the radiator replaced for $350 (used part) and told me that my battery still had plenty of life left. I asked for plenty of quotes. Some mechanics don't even want to listen to you and your troubles. Again, Laham's was very honest and professional. 5 stars I will be returning for any of my repairs.
