|
How A Few Simple Checks Can Save Gas And Save Money |
By:
Scott Siegel |
|
|
Most people don't know that problems with the way their car performs can end up costing them good fuel economy. If the car you drive is not running at its best then you are loosing money and fuel economy every time you drive.
On a monthly basis if you check a few simple things you can prevent gas robbing problems. In addition, as an added benefit, you might be preventing future costly repair bills.
Even more importantly you will insure that your car is as safe as it can be. You can prevent problems that could lead to critical failures that might result in an accidents causing injury.
Most maintenance should be left to the professionals. However, once a month you should perform the following checks to help identify and head off problems that can cost you fuel and money down the road:
1. Check the pressure and look for signs of wear in your tires. Check for any objects that may have become embedded in the tire causing air leaks.
2. Check for fluid leaks. Look around the car and especially under the car around the engine. If you see fluid then you should attempt to identify it. One way is by its color. Coolant is a bright yellowish green color, Transmission fluid is usually pink, Oil is black and brake fluids and power steering fluids are generally clear, with a slight tinge of brown . These fluids are all oily to the touch.
3. Check fluid levels, including engine oil, engine coolant level, transmission fluid and power steering fluid, according to the instructions in the owner's manual.
4. Check under the hood for cracked or leaking radiator hoses and cracked or split spark plug wires. Also check for loose clamps and check the battery for any visible signs of corrosion.
5. Check the brakes. Identifying brake problems can be done with this procedure. Find a flat and straight road that is traffic-free. Put your hands very lightly on the steering wheel. At a slow speed, put on the brakes gradually. If the car swerves to either to the right or to the left, it is an indication that your brakes need work. It could indicate uneven wear or that your brakes simply need adjustment. Don't wait, get this taken care of as soon as possible.
6. You can use the same type of test to check your wheel alignment. Again find a straight, flat and traffic-free road. Put your hands very lightly on the steering wheel and drive forward at a constant speed. This should be done at a relatively slow speed. If the car pulls to one side or the other it is a good indicator that your wheels may be out of alignment.
Following these few basic procedures monthly will keep your car running at its peak performance. If your car is running at its peak, it will save you fuel, save you dollars and will help to ensure your safety.
Scott Siegel is the author of a 143 page manual of industry insider secrets on saving gas and money at the pump (beatthegaspump.com/. Visit us to learn how you can get better gas mileage. Find out how to increase gas mileage. You are welcome to reprint this article - but get your own unique content version here.
|
|
Article Source: http://www.statssheet.com/articles/article54123.html |
|
|
|
|
|
