How a Few Simple Checks Can Save Gas and Save Money

Most people don't realize that even small problems with the way their car is running could be costing them fuel economy. If your car is not running at peak performance then you are loosing gas and money every time you drive it.

A few simple things to look for on a regular basis may prevent problems with your car can affect your gas mileage. In addition to saving gas by keeping your car running at its best, you might also be preventing costly repair bills in the future.

More important than either of these is that you will be keeping your car as safe as it can be. You may prevent a critical failure that could result in an accident.

Although most maintenance should be done by professionals, once each month you should do the following checks to identify and prevent problems that can cost you gas and money down the road: (excuse the pun!)

1. Check tire pressure and look for signs of uneven wear or embedded objects that can cause air leaks. In winter, check tire pressure whenever there is a sharp change in temperature.

2. Check for leaks in any of the fluid systems. Observe the area around the car. Observe the area under the car around the engine. If you notice some fluid then you need to see where it is coming from. One way to identify the fluid is by its color. Transmission fluid is usually pink, fluid from the cooling system is a bright yellowish green color, and brake fluids and power steering fluids are almost clear, but have a slight tinge of brown. Oil is the easiest to identify as it is black. All of these fluids are all oily to the touch. In the summer you may see water from condensation from the air conditioning. This is normal and does not indicate a problem.

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 split spark plug wires, cracked radiator hoses or loose clamps and corrosion around the battery terminals.

5. Check for problems with the brakes. On a straight, flat and traffic-free stretch of road, rest your hands lightly on the steering wheel and apply the brakes gradually. If the vehicle swerves to one side, one of the brake linings may be worn more than the other, or the brakes may need adjustment.

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.

These are the basic things you can check on your car monthly. Doing this will keep your car running at its best. A car that is running properly will save you gas, save you money and keep you safe!

Article Source: http://www.christiannotepad.com

Scott Siegel is the author of a 143 page manual of automotive industry insider information 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.
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