Pelham - Windham News April 29, 2011 - 19
“Kn w Y ur Car” Many motorists bemoan the myriad costs associated with owning a
vehicle. According to the National Automobile Dealers Association, the average price for a new car in the United States is slightly more than $28,000. But as any vehicle owner knows, that sticker price is only the beginning. The cost of maintaining a vehicle and keeping it on the road is not exactly small potatoes. As the economy begins to rebound, a significant percentage of motor-
ists have resolved to keep their vehicles on the road longer in an effort to stretch their automobile dollars. That’s a sound resolution, and one that is not necessarily difficult to accomplish. Contrary to popular belief, cars are built to last, and it’s often a vehicle owner’s poor habits that reduce a car’s life expectancy as opposed to the vehicle manufacturer’s shoddy product. Drivers looking to lengthen their vehicle’s lifespan can employ preventive maintenance that should keep a car running strong for years to come. Air Filter
When examining the vehicle’s air filter (check the vehicle manual for location), look for dirt or dust buildup. If the filter is filthy, simply replace it. Auto parts stores sell air filters, and most drivers shouldn’t have trouble replacing a filter by themselves. A dirty air filter can negatively effect fuel economy and make it seem as though a vehicle is constantly going uphill in a stiff wind. When a dirty air filter is replaced, drivers will notice an instant impact in how the car drives and are likely to save a few dollars at the filling station as well. Belts and Hoses
Issues with belts or hoses are often recognizable to the naked eye, regardless of a driver’s automotive skill. A hose in poor condition can ap- pear bulging or brittle, and should not feel too soft or too hard. If a hose exhibits any of these symptoms, replace it. A belt that’s worn or frayed should also be replaced. Brake Fluid
One of the more expensive repair jobs on a vehicle is to replace the
Vehicle owners who practice easy, routine maintenance can often add years to their vehicle’s life
brakes. Brakes will need to be replaced over the course of a vehicle’s lifespan, but drivers should routinely check the vehicle’s brake fluid. Without sufficient brake fluid, the brakes’ lifespan decreases dramatically. Checking the brake fluid is easy, simply look in the owner’s manual to find brake fluid reservoir and remove the lid (some vehicles might require the lid be unscrewed). The reservoir will likely have instructions on the inside advis- ing how much brake fluid should be added. If the fluid is below the line of demarcation, add fluid up to that line. But
How to Deal with Rising Gas Prices
submitted by AAA Northern New England Average prices have topped $4 a gallon in six
states. The national average for retail gasoline is currently $3.83, reflecting the Nation’s highest peak since September 2008, according to the AAA’s Fuel Gauge Report. To help drivers reduce the amount they pay at the pump, AAA offers the following tips: •
• Try to use the most fuel-efficient car in your household as often as possible.
Start tracking your daily mileage and create a plan to reduce it. Can you carpool to work or when meeting friends at social events? Can you arrange carpools for school drop-offs and sports practices or other kids’ activities? Can you telecommute one or two days a week? Can you walk instead of drive to complete an errand? Is public transit an option? A little extra planning can help cut your normal commute miles by 50 percent or more.
• Become a more conscious and conscientious driver. Distracted actions like texting, looking at, or otherwise handling a cell phone or electronic device while driving, besides being unsafe, actually can waste gas. When you drive distraction-free and pay close attention, you will be better able to anticipate traffic conditions and slow down or accelerate gradually instead of slamming on your brakes or gas pedal, which wastes fuel and can also be dangerous and hard on your car. You will also create a better flow of traffic around you so that everyone can travel at more steady speeds that optimize fuel economy.
• Shop around for gas online and plan your gas purchases accordingly. AAA’s online Triptik or free AAA Triptik app for the iPhone or 3G iPad allows you to map recent gas prices in any local area. Being aware of the least expensive gas stations along your route can help you save $2 to $5 per fill-up.
• Plan your trips. Make sure you’re using the shortest route and if possible, find a single shopping center where you can accomplish several errands at once. Call ahead or inquire online if you are looking for a particular item instead of driving from location to location.
• Use online services when possible. Shopping online can save gas and time.
• Pay attention to when you drive. If you can choose a time of day to be on the road, avoid rush hour because stop-and-go traffic wastes more gasoline.
• Get some benefit from high gas prices. If you’re going to pay a lot for gasoline, you can at least get something in return. A points- earning credit card will rack up rewards points on pump purchases that much faster when gas prices are high. Some cards, like the new AAA Member Rewards Visa from Bank of America, will even give you double points for gas purchases.
• Avoid speeding. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that drivers who travel more than 60 miles per hour are reducing their fuel economy anywhere from seven to 23 percent.
• Check your tires every other fill-up. Under- inflated tires will reduce your fuel economy by 2 percent per pound of pressure below the recommended level, and will also shorten the life of the tire.
• Get the junk out of the trunk. Sports equipment, work files and other heavy items in your trunk aren’t always necessary to carry around and will reduce your fuel economy by about 2 percent per extra 100 pounds.
Look carefully at gas price signs. Sometimes gas stations advertise a “cash only” price prominently on their large signs, or a price that is only valid when purchasing a car wash. Make sure the price at the pump is actually the advertised price, and complain to the station manager if the advertised price does not also advertise the conditions for obtaining that price. A recent AAA survey showed that high gas prices have already impacted the household budgets of 70 percent of Northern New England residents. Eighty-three percent of those surveyed said they have already cut back on unnecessary driving, while half say they are spending less on eating out at restaurants and 43 percent say they are spending less on entertainment as a result of high gas prices. When asked what gasoline price point would or had already caused them to drastically reduce their driving, 23 percent of those surveyed said $3.50 a gallon was the critical price point for them, while 29 percent said $4, nine percent said $5 and 10 percent said they were not sure what price would cause them to cut back on driving.
• Monthly AUTO SECTION Preventive Maintenance to Keep Your Car on the Road “Kn w Y ur Car”
be careful not to overfill. Check the brake fluid levels on a monthly basis. Motor Oil Oil change guidelines have changed dramatically thanks to better cars and more reliable motor oils. But it still helps to check motor oil levels after every fill up. If motor oil levels are low, add more oil. If oil is signifi- cantly low after each fill up, consult a mechanic just to be safe. Exhaust
Monthly AUTO SECTION Once a year, be it at a routine tuneup or should repair work be neces-
sary, ask your mechanic to check the vehicle’s emissions. Failing an emis- sions test might be against the law, and a failed test could be indicative of a larger problem.
In addition, inspect the muffler and exhaust pipe for holes, particularly after winter, when debris from snow trucks may do significant damage. Replace any damaged or rusted parts. Power Steering Power steering fluid should also be inspected on a monthly basis.
Checking power steering is the same as checking the oil, but it helps to also inspect the pump for any leaks. Tires Keeping tires properly inflated pays numerous dividends. Properly inflated tires make it easier for the engine to operate, lowering fuel costs while also decreasing wear and tear on the engine. The owner’s manual should list a recommended tire pressure, and the local filling station likely has an air pump. Maintaining tires also involves checking for wear and tear. Uneven wear could indicate the tires are misaligned. Discuss this with your mechanic. Transmission Fluid When checking transmission fluid, do so while the car is running and after the engine has warmed up. Always be certain to put the parking brake on when checking transmission fluid. If the vehicle needs transmis- sion fluid, add the recommended fluid but be careful not to overfill. Prolonging a vehicle’s lifespan is not as difficult as it sounds. Often- times, all it takes is minor, yet routine, maintenance to keep a car on the road for years and years.
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