Duke here and with everything that is going on with COV-19 from health, safety, and to our economy, I thought today I would give you some advice on how to save some cash with your car. Everyone is money conscientious right now even me with the price of beef bones and still have not seen my dog- stimulus check yet I am here to help you. Let's get barkin' because as they say money does not grow on trees.
The hottest CA news story may be different every day, but there's one topic that seems to come up over and over again – the price of gas in the South Bay. If you feel like most of your paycheck goes into your gas tank, this post is for you. Here are several basic things people in Los Altos, Cupertino, San Jose and Sunnyvale can do to greatly reduce their gas consumption, 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 one for Santa Clara County drivers is keeping 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 South Bay service centers will fill up your tires for free, so just ask Allied Auto Works in Los Altos. Also, make a habit of checking your tire pressure whenever you fill-up. Many gas stations have an air hose, but I believe that is not free.
Another important item is to keep your air filter clean. An air filter all clogged up with dirt and bugs doesn't let enough clean air through to efficiently burn fuel. 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 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 San Jose area, the cost really adds up. Taking care of these simple maintenance items will save drivers at the pump.
Now, most vehicles aren't missing on 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.
Remember to Stay Safe and Spend Wisely During These Times,
Duke
Allied Auto Works
2073 Grant Road
Los Altos, CA 94024
650.968.7227
http://www.alliedautoworks.com