Hey, Duke here, and do you like to save CASH $$$$$. I know I do, so I can buy more bones. Your vehicle has a lot of ways it can save you $$$ just by doing some simple maintenance. So let's get barkin and start saving on the dough!
The hottest CA news story may change every day, but one topic keeps coming up again and again: the price of gas in Los Altos. If you feel like most of your paycheck goes into your gas tank, this post is for you. Here are several simple things people in Los Altos can do to cut gas use, save money, and help the environment. You can really improve your fuel economy by how you drive – but first, here's a review of things you can do for your vehicle that'll save gas no matter how you drive.
The first tip for Los Altos drivers is to keep your tires properly inflated. That can save 2 miles per gallon/.85 km per liter. Driving on low tires is like driving through sand – your car just has to work harder. Most Los Altos service centers will fill up your tires for free, so just ask Allied Auto Works. Also, make a habit of checking your tire pressure whenever you fill up. Many Los Altos gas stations have an air hose you can use for free.
Another important item is to keep your air filter clean. A clogged air filter doesn't let enough clean air through to burn fuel efficiently. Using a dirty air filter will cost you almost 2 miles per gallon/.85 km per liter in reduced fuel economy. And worn spark plugs can cost about the same. A spark plug can fire as many as 3,000,000 times for every 1,000 miles/1,600 km driven. Check the vehicle owner's manual for replacement recommendations.
The biggest item is the oxygen sensor. This device provides the engine management computer with information it needs to fine-tune the fuel/air mix. When that's messed up, it can cost Los Altos vehicles up to 3 miles per gallon/1.3 km per liter. And of course, there's dirty or substandard oil. Dirty oil causes extra drag. The wrong grade may be too thick. That's another .4 miles per gallon/.17 km per liter right there.
One item Los Altos residents seldom think about is their gas cap. A worn, loose, or missing gas cap can cost another 2 miles per gallon/.85 km per liter. Adding up all of these worn, missing, or sub-par items leads to a total of almost 11.4 miles per gallon/4.85 km per liter in reduced fuel economy! And with current gas prices in the Los Altos area, the cost really adds up. Taking care of these simple maintenance items will save Los Altos drivers at the pump.
Now, most vehicles aren't missing all of these items, but think about which ones might affect you right now! And don't forget tune-ups, dragging brakes, low transmission fluid, fuel system cleaning, wheels out of alignment, PCV valve, fuel filter, and other services spelled out in your owner's manual.
Allied Auto Works knows all this stuff and can tell you when you're scheduled to take care of each item. Create a system of your own to track your service schedules, or just use the computer system at Allied Auto Works – which may also be updated with recall notices and maintenance schedule items from your vehicle manufacturer.
Here is a fun cash-saving quote for you,
"The safest way to double your money is to fold it over and put it in your pocket."
Duke
Allied Auto Works
2073 Grant Road
Los Altos, CA 94024
6509687227
alliedautoworks.com