by Auto Blish | Mar 1, 2023 | Fuel Economy |
Owning a vehicle is a basic necessity in today’s modern society. However, there is one feature of vehicle ownership that frustrates most of us. While auto repair and maintenance services can be great, the ever-increasing fuel prices are one of the biggest problems for motorists. As gas prices remain high, it is important to increase the mileage of your car. You want to use every means possible to keep your tank of gas running and reduce the number of times you have to fill up with gas each month. No matter what car you drive, you can always use a little extra money at the end of the month, and reducing your gas expenses is a great way to do that. fuel economy
There are several tips you can implement to help you increase your mileage and save money on gas. Cars perform at their best and consume less fuel when well maintained. Below are some ways you can keep your car in good condition and improve your fuel economy.
Our recommended steps to reduce fuel consumption
Lose Excess Weight
Extra weight in your vehicle decreases your fuel economy. The weight in your car pushes the engine to work harder to move the car, which increases the amount of fuel needed for the process. If you’re lifting a lot of weight, lightening the load may gain you a mile or two. Don’t carry around things you don’t need. Removing unnecessary items from your car will reduce the weight of your car and can reduce fuel consumption by 1-2%.
Get Regular Tune-ups
Regular maintenance services such as regular oil changes, air-filter changes, and spark plug replacements will prolong the life of your vehicle as well as improve fuel economy and reduce emissions. You should follow the schedule in your owner’s manual for tune-ups, preventive maintenance, and other services to keep your vehicle running smoothly.
Properly Inflate Tires
One of the easiest ways to reduce your vehicle’s fuel consumption is to keep your tires at the correct pressure. Underinflated tires cause your engine to use more gas to propel the car. For the best balance between fuel economy and traction, your tires should be inflated to the pressure specified in your owner’s manual. Tires that are under-inflated by 10 PSI per tire can cost you more at the gas pump.
Change Your Driving Style
One of the best ways to improve fuel economy is to maintain a consistent speed while driving. Frequent slowing and accelerating can increase your fuel consumption by more than 10 percent. Don’t accelerate too fast or slam on the brakes – stop on the sidelines. Switch off the engine when you park or make a short stop. These driving practices will save your vehicle from excessive fuel consumption.
By changing your driving style and maintaining your vehicle, you will see improvements in fuel economy. You don’t need a fuel-efficient car to save gas. There are several things you can do to increase your gas mileage. Using these tips, you can save money at the gas pump. Keep in mind that taking your car in for regular checkups and tune-ups and auto repairs will also save you a lot of money and keep your vehicle running efficiently. A car that doesn’t run at its optimum performance level can cost you a lot in the long run.
by Auto Blish | Mar 1, 2023 | Car Care |
Most car batteries that are in good condition will last at least two weeks without you needing to start the car and drive to recharge it. But if you don’t intend to drive your car for a while for whatever reason, you should still start it once a week to recharge the 12-volt battery.
Want to know how to avoid running out of battery if you’re not driving your car often? And what should you do if you go to drive your car and the battery dies? Read on to learn the do’s and don’ts when maintaining your car battery.
How Often Should I Start My Car if I’m Not Driving?
If you haven’t driven your car for two weeks or more, no matter how old the model, you should start it at least once a week and keep it running for 15 minutes. By doing so, you allow the alternator (or ‘dynamo’ in older models) to recharge the battery and ensure that the engine is in good condition as well.
When you do this, remember to turn off the lights (if you need to use them because it’s dark and your car doesn’t do this automatically), otherwise, the next time you go to drive you might that it is completely flat. This is known as a ‘deep discharge’ which lead-acid batteries in cars are not designed to handle. In fact, if this happens too often it can reduce battery life by up to a third.
What Should I Do if My Battery Is Flat?
Chances are that if you’ve been driving long enough, you’ve had to jump-start your car at some point.
Also known as ‘boost’, this quick-fix method starts a vehicle with a discharged/dead battery, connecting it via jump leads to another car’s battery or another power source.
Sometimes a jump can be necessary if you are out and about on the road and need to go quickly. However, a better option for long-term battery maintenance is to use a designated battery charger/maintainer while testing your car’s wattage regularly between charges.
It is important that you know how to jump-start your car if you ever find yourself in front of your car and its battery is dead. It is equally important to know what to do when you want to recharge your battery.
Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to jump-starting and charging your car battery.
How to Jump-Start Your Car
When you jump-start a car, you are using external electricity to recharge the battery enough to start the engine.
For the most common way to jump-start a vehicle, you need jump leads.
Here’s a simple procedure to jump-start your car safely:
- Place the car with the working battery near the flat car so that the jumper leads reach both vehicles’ batteries, taking care to keep metal objects out of the way and getting rid of any loose clothing and jewelry that may be damaged. Can be Produces short-circuits and bad zap.
- CONNECT THE FIRST LEAD – First, make sure the car engine is off and attach the alligator clip of the red jump lead to its positive (+) terminal, and connect the other end to the positive (+) terminal of the dead battery in the other car In.
- Connect the other lead – Connect the crocodile clip of the black jump lead to the negative (-) terminal of the working car battery, then connect the other end to the earthing point (a metal point on the engine block/chassis) away from the flat battery and fuel system.
- Wait a few minutes and then start the engine of the working car, let it run for one minute.
- Once this time has elapsed, start the engine of the car with the flat battery and let both cars run for 10 minutes.
- Turn off the engines of both cars and disconnect the jump leads in the reverse order of how they were connected (remove the black lead from the car with the flat battery first and the red lead from the working car.) Make sure the leaders are not touched each other in the process.
- Try starting your car again – if it doesn’t start, there is likely a more serious problem that you need to contact AA/your breakdown recovery provider about.
by Auto Blish | Mar 1, 2023 | Car Checklist |
A/c is one of those things that’s easy to consider approved– until you do not have to. When it’s the middle of summertime and the temperature levels are rising outside, the last point you want is to embed an automobile that’s spewing hot air out the exhaust … or in an auto that does not have an a/c unit in all. are you going
Why Is Your Air Conditioning Not Functioning
Like a lot of things under the hood, the a/c unit can quit working for a variety of different reasons. Knowing what to seek can assist you to repair why your automobile A/C is not functioning and allow you to know what actions you need to take next. Let us look at 5 typical reasons your car and truck’s air conditioning might quit working.
1: Your Car Has a Refrigerant Leak
This is among the most typical reasons for vehicle air conditioners not working. Leaks can originate from various places; This can be the outcome of the rubber seals and hoses breaking down gradually, and also it enables the cooling agent, freon, to run away. When this occurs the bigger danger goes beyond your car not getting trendy air, yet those weak points can additionally allow moisture inside your car and truck’s cooling system as well as mix with the cooling agent. When moisture as well as freon mix together, they create a dangerous acidic mix that can corrode your A/C system and also create long-term damage.
Similar to any type of leak, you wish to get it taken care of swiftly so it does not cause ongoing issues for your car.
2: Your Air Conditioning Follower Is Damaged
Similar to you requiring blowers to press the a/c through the vents in your house, your automobile makes use of cooling fans to relocate refrigerated air into the cabin of your automobile. When there is a problem with the fan, you will certainly not really feel air coming out of the vents.
Cooling followers can quit working appropriately for many different reasons; They might have blown a fuse, turned off the power, or gotten caught in a fracture in road particles. Luckily, it’s relatively simple to fix; Your auto mechanic must have the ability to change it rapidly as well as obtain you back when traveling.
3: There Is a Problem With the Compressor
Your cooling depends on a compressor to keep the air moving, yet if the compressor isn’t working effectively, it isn’t relocating refrigerant. Among the major reasons a compressor goes bad is long periods of not being utilized, and the long winter of loss, as well as winter months, suggests many Ohioans do not run their a/c for numerous months at a time.
If the clutch on the compressor is stuck after that there could be trouble with the compressor as well. If it gets stuck in the “on” placement it will trigger your cooling to run constantly, as well as if it gets stuck in the “off” placement it will protect against the compressor from engaging. You will certainly require to have your auto mechanic see what the trouble is with your compressor.
4: There Is Something Problem With Your Condenser
The condenser plays an essential role; This air compressor takes damp air and also depressurizes, cools down, and dissolves that air. In simple words, it helps in cooling down the air. When your air conditioning isn’t cooling down also, it could be a sign that the condenser is falling short.
5: You Have a Power Trouble
There are a number of points that can trigger electric issues in your vehicle’s cooling. These can consist of an unsuccessful button, a blown fuse, an issue with the control component, or something else. Fuses can short out and also cause the A/C to stop working or a loosened link can develop an electrical short that is quickly repaired.
While electric problems in a/c systems are typically very easy to fix, they need to be addressed instantly, as they can create acid accumulation. Acid accumulation can create severe damage to your car as well as might also call for the replacement of the whole cooling system. Remaining on top of troubles will keep this from happening.
Strategy to Keep Cool This Summer Season
Unlike lots of systems in today’s automobiles, there are no warning lights to alert you to issues with your air conditioning system. Because you do not wish to wait up until there’s a trouble, and also commonly all those problems turn up at the most troublesome times, it’s a great suggestion to take your auto in prior to warm climate shows up and also ensure the tubes and also follower is in good condition. In good working order, no leakages appear as well as your refrigerant degrees are good.
by Auto Blish | Mar 1, 2023 | Car Maintenance |
Sure, it’s nice to jump in a relatively warm car in the morning, or any time you need to go to work, but what about when you come home with ice, snow, and salt all over your car?
Obviously, for individual car owners, specific factors come into play when it comes to whether or not to park in a garage in the winter. Of course, there are things you can do to protect your car from damage, whether it’s parked outside or inside.
But keep these pros and cons in mind and decide the best option for you:
Advantages of Parking a Car in a Garage in Winter
A garage attached to your home sounds like an ideal setup – not only to reduce sun and radiation exposure to your vehicle in the summer but also to maintain out the cold and snow in the winter.
Here are the advantages of keeping a car in a garage in the summer:
1. No Snow to Brush
How can you not welcome the sight of your car which has zero traces of snow or ice on its body to brush or scrape off? It definitely helps reduce your preparation time in the morning! Not only this, but it also means that there is less chance of damage to your paint job and windshield wipers.
2. Takes Less Time to Start the Car
Provided your garage is properly insulated for the winter, you should have a warm car in the morning. Note that it may take twice as much energy to start your engine in cold weather as on any normal day. The more out the temperature, the more difficult every part of your car has to work.
3. Less Chance of Thickening of Essential Fluids
Away from the cold outside, your car’s engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, and other essential fluids will be less likely to thicken. This means they can lubricate internal parts faster when you start your car.
4. Less Risk of Vehicle Body Damage in Bad Weather
In bad weather, if your car is parked outside, it can easily sustain body damage from things like snow-laden tree branches, or trees.
Disadvantages of Parking a Car in a Garage in Winter
While the pros are certainly compelling, the cons also cannot be ignored – and make you more vigilant in making sure that your vehicle is protected from any kind of damage.
Here are the disadvantages of parking a car in your garage in winter:
1. Rust
Coming home in winter is another story, especially if there’s a storm. When you park your car directly in your garage and it is covered with snow and ice, the snow will melt, but at the same time, corrosion (oxidation) will accelerate with warmer temperatures, moisture, and salt residues.
2. Condensation
The warm temperatures in your garage will cause condensation, which will cause some of our car’s mechanical components to tarnish. Some of these, such as the radiator, exhaust system, and engine, are susceptible to corrosion.
3. Change in Temperature
Exposing your car to changes in temperature can cause the rubber seals to wear down quickly.
How to control damage to your car if you are parked it in your garage in winter
Like most people, you want to take the best care of your car possible. Winter can definitely bring some challenges for you.
If your specific circumstances make it the best option to park your car in your garage in the winter, here are 3 ways you can prevent damage from oxidation, condensation, and large changes in temperature:
- Avoid warming your garage too much in the winter. Withstand at an ambient temperature of approximately 41° (5°C).
- Make sure your garage is well-ventilated. This will help in drying your car quicker and hence reduce the humidity.
- Don’t forget to wash your car to remove any residual chemicals that may damage your paint job and cause rust.
By being proactive and mindful of the conditions in your garage, as well as keeping your vehicle’s body clean, you’ll be able to enjoy the benefits of cold weather parking your car in your garage without the headache (and expense).
by Auto Blish | Mar 1, 2023 | Fuel Economy |
With the rising cost of gas affecting our budget, you must make sure that you adopt good driving habits to avoid having to visit the pump every few days.
Check Your Tire Pressure
If your tires don’t have enough air, your vehicle will have to work harder to maintain a constant speed. This burns a lot of fuel. So, get in the habit of testing your tire pressure about once a month and keep your tires inflated according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Observe the Speed Limit
Do you know that driving over the speed limit doesn’t make you reach your destination faster? Besides, it’s not worth potentially getting a speeding ticket or hitting another vehicle to save two or three minutes. Additionally, tests have shown that driving at 120 km/h requires about 20 percent more fuel than driving at 100 km/h. Here are some good reasons to go easy on that gas pedal.
Avoid Hard Acceleration
Tapping on the gas pedal as soon as the traffic light turns green is exhilarating, but it uses up a lot of fuel. According to the CAA-Québec, you must not accelerate more than 20 km/h every five seconds.
Follow Maintenance Schedule
Many mechanical issues can increase your fuel consumption. Hence, it is essential that your vehicle is regularly inspected and maintained by an expert. Consult your user manual to determine the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance intervals.
Manage Your Air Conditioning Wisely
Your car’s air conditioning system consumes gas. So, when it’s hot outside, wear appropriate clothing and limit your air conditioner use. It’s best to use your air conditioner when driving on the highway because cruising with the windows down at high speeds can reduce your car’s aerodynamics. However, within the city, feel free to enjoy the wind blowing through your hair.
Use Loyalty Programs
Various loyalty cards offer discounts on fuel. If you become a member, you can use your rewards points to save money on gas.
Fill Up at the Right Time
If you’re not in a rush to fill up your tank, shop around for a good deal. Often, gas prices vary from station to station. For example, if you have an appointment in a nearby city where gas is cheaper, kill two birds with one stone. You can also download an app that regularly updates gas prices near you.
Conclusion
And one last word. Regular car servicing helps in maintaining the fuel efficiency of your engine. Engine parts work together. If poorly maintained, sludge and rust will build up between parts making it difficult for the engine to function smoothly. That’s why engine oil is essential. A good high-performance engine oil can help reduce engine friction, combat sludge, and improve fuel economy.
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