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 Precision Diesel Repair in Ontario
Coupons
what our customers say
Had a great experience today with PDR, above and beyond to help me out when unexpected issues arose after my Truck failed smog! Was able to get me in right away, they made sure to have parts expedited to get me on the road in a timely manner, had beverages on hand and all the staff was super friendly and professional! They even washed my truck, gave me an air freshener and hooked me up with a chapstick! Great company, and the bill was less then the quote! Definitely will be going back !
First time visiting PDR and I have to admit I was super impressed with the quality of their service as well as timing ... The vibes were great! I love to feel comfortable when I am taking my 16 ram 5500 in for repairs or service, highly recommended! I will definitely be a returned costumer. Thanks PDR!
The most legit mechanics I've come across. The head gaskets on my Chevy Malibu broke and oil got into the machine after an incident where my car overheated. I took my car to them and within a day or two had my car ready to go. Every time I go to them, I know that any issue my car has will be fixed. Their Prices are fair and definitely trustworthy. a great experience.
