Hey, it's your favorite red-head, Cayenne and you know this weekend I went with my owner to fill up the car and on my! $106 to fill the tank.....there goes all the extra money for my dog treats. Well today, you guessed it, we are going to bark the gas out of fuel economy and what services can help.
The price of gas in CA has got people in Los Altos talking. It seems that Los Altos folks who need a bigger vehicle to carry family and gear or provide four-wheel drive, are hit especially hard. That is why we thought it would be good to review some things that anyone can do to improve fuel economy.
First, let's start with how we drive around CA. People in Los Altos may not realize that they can really save on gas by just changing a few driving habits. One of the biggest is jackrabbit starts - you know, flooring the gas as soon as the light turns green. That really wastes a lot of fuel. Building up your speed at a slower pace uses less fuel and is easier on your engine and drive train. And don't drive with one foot on the brake. That's also a drag on fuel economy, and it wears out your brakes faster, too.
Another thing Los Altos drivers can do is drive more slowly - but only when it's safe. Sometimes on the freeway, we drive an extra five ... ten . . . twenty ... over the speed limit. We do it to save time, but it only saves a few minutes out of maybe an hour-long drive, and we may use 10 to 15 % more gas. Just leave a little bit earlier, save some money and arrive more relaxed.
Los Altos drivers can also try and combine all of their errands for the day into just one trip, rather than several. If you can put off a trip today that can be combined with one tomorrow, you can save some time and money.
Using your cruise control can save money too. Driving in CA at a constant speed really improves fuel economy. Be sure to only use your cruise control under safe conditions; you can look in your owner's manual for some good tips on using your cruise control.
Did you know that reducing the weight in your vehicle saves gas? Clean out the trunk or back seat from time to time so that you are not paying to carry a lot of stuff around Los Altos that you do not need in the vehicle. If you live in CA where there is snow and ice, clear it off your vehicle; it adds weight and messes with aerodynamics too.
Another tip is to avoid long idle times, which includes warming it up when you start. Modern engines do not require a long warm-up to get going; just take it easy for a few minutes.
Be sure to get a new gas cap if yours leaks or is worn.
Now, let's start talking mechanical. Bottom line - the better you maintain your vehicle, the less fuel you will use. It all adds up in a big way. For example, replacing your dirty engine air filter will pay for itself in improved fuel economy before your next oil change - and will keep saving you after that.
A clean, well-maintained fuel system really pays big dividends. A clogged fuel filter wastes gas. So does a dirty fuel system, grimy fuel injectors and plugged-up PCV valves. A fuel system service decreases the gas you use, and increases the power, so drivers in Los Altos can't go wrong with that.
Some of us ignore our Check Engine light. But fixing the problem that caused the light to come on will usually save some fuel as well. It may be a bad oxygen sensor that can really rob your fuel economy.
And, it may be time for a tune-up. Tune-ups should improve your fuel economy. Don't overlook the routine maintenance items, like scheduled oil changes, transmission, and cooling system service. Dirty or low fluids actually use more fuel. Just look at your vehicle manufacturer’s recommended service intervals in the owner's manual, or ask your Allied Auto Works service advisor for the schedule.
Don't forget your tires. Underinflated tires waste gas. And if your wheels are out of alignment, you won't get the fuel economy you need.
None of these things are very complicated or expensive for people in Los Altos, Cupertino, Sunnyvale or anywhere in the South Bay to stay on top of. When you maintain your car properly, you save gas today and prevent repairs tomorrow.
I leave you with my joke of the day,
"Today I got gas for $1.57. Unfortunately it was at Taco Bell."
Cayenne
Allied Auto Works
2073 Grant Road
Los Altos, CA 94024
650.968.7227
https://www.alliedautoworks.com/