When money is tight and people are on a fixed budget, their natural response is to hold back on spending, especially when it comes to anything that we consider to be non-essential. Additionally, when people don’t have confidence in the future, we will become even more cautious about what we are spending our money on. It’s under these conditions that people need to step up to the plate and take really good care of their automobiles. As we all know, the cost of unexpected repairs can be financially devastating, and if you don’t have the money for repairs, you’ll more than likely don’t have the money to buy a new vehicle either.
So do this: Sit down with our service advisor or myself Mike Moore (owner) and we’ll help you understand that during these uncertain economic times, one of the best investments you could ever make is in properly maintaining your automobiles. We will discuss all of the cost-saving benefits of vehicle maintenance, and break the investment down into meaningful and digestible numbers that you can easily understand.
For example, you may discover that with the more popular vehicles, the actual investment in the maintenance services that our advisors are recommending works out to less than 50 cents a day, and what you get in return for that small investment is amazing. You will be protecting warranties,you will be protecting the value of the automobiles, you will be squeezing every mile out of every gallon of gasoline, and you will have the peace of mind that comes with having a well maintained vehicle. Perhaps most importantly, you will be reducing the risk of unexpected and costly failures that can be particularly crushing during these tough economic times. When you break down the cost to a daily amount, and are able to see all of these benefits for less than the price of morning coffee, the decision becomes a no-brainer.
While making the most of this maintenance you can also, help save our environment, by extending the life of your car to over 300,000 miles. It is our ethical responsibility to help. Most of the time we can see just how crucial maintenance is when it comes to protecting our safety, the safety of our families, vehicles, environment and without question, our checkbooks too.
So stop by today for a “NO COST” Auto Heath Inspection.
Description: Tires are simply the wearable and therefore replaceable part of the
tire/wheel assembly. Although many different types of tire designs have been
used since the dawn of the automobile, the radial tire has virtually replaced
all other varieties. Radial tires, by far, deliver better safety and handling,
fuel economy, steering, traction and cornering. The typical radial tire
consists of a bead, a casing, belts, and tread.
Today, nearly all tires have belts made from steel. Radial
tires also last much longer than any previous tire design. Although driving
habits and tire care play a key role in tire life, radial tires may last as
long as 80,000 miles. Virtually all of today’s tires used on automobiles,
and many used on light trucks, have a tubeless design. This means there is not
a separate balloon-like tube inside the tire, as was the case with older tire
designs.
Purpose:
Tires serve as the wearable part of the overall tire/wheel assembly, but they
also play a large role in vehicle safety. Today’s tires must provide good
traction under a wide range of driving and road conditions while providing long
tread wear.
Maintenance
Tips/Suggestions: Check tire pressure frequently and also inspect the tires
for abnormal tread wear and cuts and bruises along the sidewall. Rotate and
balance the tires on a regular basis. If your car has a flat, have the tire
professionally repaired. The best way to repair a tire is to have it removed
from the rim, the inside inspected and corrective measures taken. When replacing tires, install only tires of
the size recommended for your vehicle. Installing the wrong tires can result in
contact with body panels or steering and suspension parts. The wrong tires can
also affect speedometer readings and engine/transmission control.
Wheel
Description:
Wheels can be made of steel, aluminum or various alloys. Steel wheels often
have a wheel cover affixed to the outer edge for appearance.
Purpose:
Wheels support the tire and must be able to withstand loads from acceleration,
braking and cornering. Aluminum and alloy wheels also serve an aesthetic
purpose and dress up the vehicle’s appearance.
Maintenance
Tips/Suggestions: Wheels should be
cleaned frequently using a suitable wheel cleaner. Use extreme care not to use
any abrasive pads or cleaners that may remove the protective coating and
scratch the wheels. It is best to clean the wheels while they’re cool. Clean
one at a time and rinse all cleaner away. Wheel cleaner should not be allowed
to sit on wheels for extended periods.
Tire Selection
Description: Tires have a coding system all their own that indicates key things like
size, application, speed rating, treadwear factors and some others. All of this
information is represented through an ordered series of numbers and letters on
the sidewalls of tires.
Purpose: Tires are a normal wear item and eventually
you’ll be faced with replacing them. When you do, making the right choices can
make a big difference in your satisfaction once your new tires are installed.
Maintenance
Tips/Suggestions: With a P225/75R15 tire as an example, “P”
represents passenger car applications (LT=Light Truck), 225 indicates the width
of the tread in millimetres, 75 represents the aspect ratio (width of the
tread, divided by sidewall height), “R” means radial construction
(most tires nowadays) and the 15 means the diameter of the wheel in inches. A
tire may also carry a speed rating, which represents the maximum safe driving
speed for a given tire. If this is the case, the rating will precede the
“R”. Speed ratings range from “S” to “Y”, which
represent 112 and 186 miles per hour respectively. (Speed-rated tires are
usually used in high-performance applications.)
In most cases, cars and minivans are originally equipped
with passenger car tires, whereas larger vehicles like pickups, SUVs and the
like come equipped with light-truck tires. It’s important to stick with the
size tires and types as recommended by your car’s manufacturer or in a tire
application guide from a tire maker. Using tires of the wrong size can
interfere with steering and suspension parts and it can affect the accuracy of
your car’s speedometer along with onboard control technology such as the
transmission and anti-lock brakes.
There are three
other factors that may be helpful in your tire selection process. These three
“T’s” are treadwear, traction and temperature. As with tire sizes,
the codes for these are marked on the sidewall of the tire, too. The treadwear
number is a relative indicator of just that — the higher the number, the
better. In theory, a treadwear index of 200 means that the tire will last twice
as long as a tire with a 100 index.
Next, comes the
traction index, which is expressed as a letter. A tire that performs well
during braking on both wet concrete and asphalt gets an “A” index; a
tire that performs well on only one of the surfaces gets a “B” index;
and a tire that performs poorly on both surfaces gets a “C” index.
The last of the
“T’s” is temperature resistance. An “A” index means the
tire has a high resistance to temperature; “B” means a medium
temperature-resistance and a “C” index indicates that the tire meets
basic safety standards.
There are still
other considerations that go into formulating a tire choice that’s just right
for your car, based on personal preferences. This may include the type of tread
for on- or off-road use, the amount of noise the tires produce when driving on
paved surfaces and other appearance-related options like raised white letters
or black sidewalls.
Checking Tire Tread
Description:
There are several simple ways to check tire tread depth. The first way is to
measure tread depth with a tread depth gauge.
Tire wear bars are also used on today’s tires as a hands-off visual
indication that a tire needs replacement.
Purpose:
Regular tread depth checks are important to ensure that your car’s tires are
safe. Excessive wear can result in a loss of traction, especially on wet and
slippery roads. Tires are regular wear items and staying on top of their
condition not only ensures your safety, but also gives you the opportunity to
plan ahead and budget for inevitable tire replacement.
Maintenance Tips/Suggestions: When using a tread
depth gauge, tires need to have at least 1/16-in. of tread or more (this is the
minimum amount of tread allowed by law).
If a wear bar across the width of
the tire is flush with the tread surface, it is time to replace the tire.
Generally, it
is best to replace tires in sets of four. If your car’s tires show signs of
abnormal or unequal wear, have this looked into by a professional technician.
Excessive wear on both outer edges generally indicates under-inflation.
Excessive wear in the centre of the tread generally indicates over-inflation.
Cupping or dipping of certain tread sections may indicate worn suspension parts
or a wheel balance problem. Saw-toothed or feathered tread edges may indicate
wheel misalignment. If your car needs alignment or suspension work, have it
done before you drive off with a new set of tires. Taking a “big
picture” approach to protecting your tire investment will reap many
rewards for miles to come.
Proper Tire Inflation
Description: Proper tire inflation pressure is the specified air pressure given by a
carmaker for a certain tire on a specific vehicle. This pressure specification
should not be confused with a tire’s maximum pressure, which is usually listed
on the tire’s sidewall. Some vehicles may specify different pressures for the
front tires and the rear tires.
Purpose:
Correct inflation pressure is critical for good fuel economy, safety, maximum
tire life, and proper vehicle handling performance.
Maintenance
Tips/Suggestions: For the small amount of time it takes, checking tire
inflation at least once a month is one of the best investments you can make to
get the maximum life out of your tires. Proper inflation can also improve gas
mileage by more than 3%, when maintained regularly. You may want to check your
tires more often during the winter months. Tires will lose about 1 psi of
pressure for every 10 degrees Fahrenheit of temperature drop.
Keep an accurate tire pressure gauge in your car’s glove
box (many gauges at “air stations” give false pressure readings) and
check the tire pressure when the tires are cold. Never trust the appearance of
a tire as a gauge for inflation. A tire could be 10 psi low on pressure and not
appear to be low on air. Use the recommended inflation pressure listed in your
vehicle’s owner’s manual or on the inflation sticker found on the driver’s door
jamb. While you’re at it, don’t forget to check the spare. There’s nothing more
annoying than a flat spare when you have a flat tire.
Tire Rotation
Description:
Tire rotation refers to the regular practice of switching the position of each
tire on the car.
Purpose:
Tire rotation helps to equalize tread wear and is critical to gain the maximum
life from your tire investment.
Maintenance
Tips/Suggestions: Refer to your owner’s manual for the recommended rotation
interval and pattern; generally a rotation interval of 5,000 miles is
recommended. The rotation pattern varies with different makes and models, which
shows the tire locations during rotation. Some vehicles have different size
tires on the front and back or directional tires. Tire rotation time also offers a good
opportunity to have the tires and wheels balanced. It is another step you can take to maximize
your tire investment.
Spare Tire & Wheel
Description:
Spare tires and wheels may come in full-size versions (the same tire size as is
used on the car) or as a “mini-spare”, a compact tire and wheel
assembly that conserves storage space. Many cars are equipped with temporary
spare tires and wheels, which are noticeably different from regular tires and
wheels. Some require higher inflation pressure, with most mini-spares requiring
60 psi and have a maximum speed of 45 mph.
Purpose:
The spare tire serves as a back up in case your car has a flat.
Maintenance
Tips/Suggestions: It is also a wise
idea to become familiar with changing a tire on your car, before you have to.
Acquaint yourself with the location of the jack and its handle, where the jack
is supposed to contact the vehicle when raising it, the lug wrench, the
location of the key for the wheel locks (if equipped), and how to access the
spare tire. Too often, motorists are surprised to find essential tire-changing
tools damaged or missing. It is a good idea to make a practice run at changing
a tire, so you’re on top of things when your car has a real flat. If your car
has a temporary spare, drive your car within the speed limits specified on the
tire’s sidewall.
Wheel Locks
Description:
Wheel locks function like regular lug nuts, with the exception of requiring a
special key tool for removal and installation.
Purpose:
Wheel locks help to prevent theft of expensive aluminum and alloy wheels, along
with their tires. Wheel locks are also available for spare tires.
Maintenance
Tips/Suggestions: Keep the key to your wheel locks in a convenient place
(glove box) so it will be available when you need it. If the key is used when
your car is in for service, check to make sure that it has been returned to the
place where you keep it. Finding out that you don’t have the key when it is
time to change a flat tire can turn a minor inconvenience into a major
aggravation.
Wheel Balance
Description:
Wheel balance refers to the proper distribution of weight around a revolving
tire and wheel assembly. Poor wheel
balance can have a marked impact on both your car and your safety.
Purpose: Proper wheel balance ensures that the wheels,
while spinning, do not have a heavy spot that can cause vibration and premature
wear of tires, struts, shocks and other steering and suspension components.
When combined with proper wheel alignment, balanced wheels ensure smooth and
enjoyable driving.
Maintenance
Tips/Suggestions: The most common signs of unbalanced tires are vibration
and noise problems. When driving with an out-of-balance wheel, the wheel
literally bounces down the road rather than spinning smoothly. This can affect
the speed, handling and mileage of your car. Many of today’s cars have
lightweight suspension systems and are therefore, more sensitive to imbalance
than older cars. It is a good idea to have your car’s wheels balanced when
rotating the tires, about every 5,000 miles. It is not uncommon for
wheels to lose a wheel weight from time to time; so periodic balancing
minimizes the impact of unbalanced wheels on your car.
Wheel Alignment
Description:
Wheel alignment consists of a series of interrelated measurements and
adjustments that bring a vehicle’s steering, suspension and on-road driving
characteristics into manufacturers’ specifications.
Purpose: Proper wheel alignment reduces tire wear, improves
fuel economy and handling, while increasing driving enjoyment and safety.
Maintenance
Tips/Suggestions: Have your car’s alignment checked once a year. Normal
wear and road conditions can take their toll on your car’s steering and
suspension system, possibly throwing the alignment settings out of
specifications. For best results, seek a reliable alignment shop and qualified
technician who can perform a four-wheel alignment on your car.
Traditionally,
alignments have always been associated with only the front wheels, but no
longer. Consider this: The rear wheels set the direction of vehicle travel; the
front wheels steer the vehicle. Having all four wheels checked ensures
directional harmony as your car goes down the road. Some common symptoms of
your car needing an alignment include uneven tire tread wear, pulling to one
side, wandering, and an off-centre steering wheel. While having your car’s alignment set, it
also serves as the perfect opportunity to balance your car’s wheels.
This Maintenance Schedule is designed to help you keep your vehicle in tip-top shape and to answer some of the frequently asked questions concerning our operations.
Today, more than ever, good maintenance habits are essential to your vehicle’s “good health”. A well maintained vehicle is not only fun to drive, but it’s friendly to our environment. Please take a moment to review our maintenance recommendations and feel free to ask questions.
We are here to help you!
Every 5,000 Miles Between Maintenance Services
• Premier 27 pt. Courtesy check
• Drain & renew engine oil & oil filter
• Adjust tire pressure
• Check brakes & record %
• Top off all fluid levels
• Lubricate suspension, doors & hood
• Rotate Tires
• Road test & written evaluation
Inspection of:
√ PCV, emission system
√ Coolant protection & pH
√ Air breather & filter
√ Belts & hoses
√ Engine coolant & fan operation
√ Suspension & steering components
√ Exterior & interior lighting
√ Exhaust system
√ Brake lines & hoses
√ Suspension alignment & tire wear
√ Charging system & battery
15K Mileage Scheduled Service
15,000 / 45,000 / 75,000 / 105,000 / 135,000 Miles
• Premier 27 Pt. Courtesy check
• Drain & renew engine oil & filter
• Install oil supplement
• Adjust clutch
• Check, clean, adjust brakes & record %
• Rotate tires/adjust air pressure
• Service battery, including pads
• Top off all fluid levels
• Check A/C & heater operation
• Lubricate suspension, doors & hood
• Check spark plug condition
• Install fuel additive (remove carbon)
• Clean throttle body
• Reset base idle and/or timing
• Reset engine maintenance light
• Road test & written evaluation
Inspection of:
√ Charging System & battery
√ PCV, emission system
√ Coolant protection & pH
√ Air breather & filter
√ Belts & hoses
√ Engine coolant & fan operation
√ Suspension & steering components
√ Exterior & interior lighting
√ Exhaust system
√ Brake lines & hoses
√ Suspension alignment & tire wear
√ Wiper blades
√ Rear defroster operation
√ CV joints & boots
3 year 36,000 peace of mind warranty (most services) All of these services meet or exceed most manufacturers requirements. Some manufacturers may require more maintenance, which we will discuss with you if necessary. This menu is a quick guide to most services required
30K Mileage Scheduled Service
30,000 / 60,000 / 90,000 / 120,000 / 150,000 Miles
• Premier 27 Pt. Courtesy check
• Drain & renew engine oil & filter
• Adjust clutch
• Check, clean, adjust brakes & record %
• Rotate tires/adjust air pressure
• Balance all four tires
• Service battery, including pads
• Top off all fluid levels
• Check A/C & heater operation
• Lubricate suspension, doors & hood
• Install fuel additive (remove carbon)
• Replace fuel filter
• Replace air filter & PCV valve
• Complete transmission service
• Replace anti-freeze
• Reset engine maintenance light
• Road test & written evaluation
Inspection of:
√ PCV, emission system
√ Coolant protection & pH
√ Air & breather filter
√ Belts & hoses
√ Engine coolant & fan operation
√ Suspension & steering components
√ Exterior & interior lighting
√ Exhaust system
√ Brake lines & hoses
√ Suspension alignment & tire wear
√ Wiper blades
√ Strut & shock condition
√ Engine/transmission mounts
√ Cam belt
√ Secondary ignition wires
√ CV joints & boots
Most engines are designed to achieve 200,000-300,000 or more miles. Regular maintenance is the key for you getting all the miles your vehicle can give. Let one of our highly trained ASE certified technicians protect your investment. Factory scheduled maintenance services outline preventative maintenance suggested by your vehicles manufacturer. Following the outline of services will greatly improve your chances of not becoming inconvenienced by breakdowns.
FOUR WHEEL ALIGNMENT
Recommended once a year. Set tire pressure; inspect all steering and suspension components for wear; set front toe in, caster, camber and rear end toe-in.
TIRE ROTATION AND BALANCE
Rotation recommended every 5,000 miles. Balance all four tires every 10,000 miles. This prolongs the life of your tires.
BRAKE SERVICE (FRONT OR REAR)
Remove and replace pads or shoes, resurface rotors and drums, inspect brake lines and components, test parking brake.
BRAKE FLUID FLUSH AND CHANGE
Recommended every 30,000 miles. Flush old fluid; inspect reservoir and cap; inspect lines and fittings; install new fluid.
Add this service to the Complete Brake Job Service for a small additional cost.
COMPLETE COOLING SYSTEM SERVICE
Check all hoses and belts; pressure test system; check heater; defroster and cooling fan operation; flush and recycle antifreeze; correct coolant mixture to 50/50 mixture; insure proper pH balance; check for leaks; road test vehicle.
AIR CONDITIONER SERVICE
A/C performance test; check system pressures; check condenser & radiator cooling fan operation; inspect all A/C components for wear, leaks and proper operation.
MAINTENANCE, REPLACE SPARK PLUGS
Replace spark plugs check for engine fault codes and check idle and timing specifications.
COMPLETE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SERVICE
Recommended every 30,000 miles. Completely flush all transmission components; replace all transmission fluid; check for
leaks; inspect detent cable and all linkage (adjust as necessary); road test vehicle.
INDUCTION SYSTEM CLEANING
Recommended every 30,000 miles. This service helps reduce emissions plus improve driveability and fuel mileage. Clean
throttle body area; use induction system cleaner to clean intake valves; install fuel additive in tank to clean fuel injection system and remove carbon.
POWER STEERING FLUID SERVICE
Complete power steering fluid flush. Inspect all components for wear, leaks and proper operation.
TIMING BELT SERVICE
Regular inspection and replacement of the timing belt, as prescribed by the manufacturer’s service schedule, can help you
avoid major engine damage.
Ask about our Free Shuttle Service.
HIGHLY TRAINED MASTER A.S.E.
TECHNICIANS with more than twenty years of service here waiting to serve you.
LATEST IN COMPUTERIZED DIAGNOSTIC EQUIPMENT.
YOUR SATISFACTION IS ALWAYS
GUARANTEED. Ask one of our managers about our outstanding warranty policies.
The car is one of the most recognizable inventions of the modern era. Without vehicles, we wouldn’t have access to the majority of opportunities we have these days. We wouldn’t be able to see the world, take trips, get from point A to point B in such short time, or live the every day lives we lead. Look back on some of the facts and interesting tidbits about them and its crazy to think how far we have come!
The first cars did not have steering wheels. Drivers steered with a lever.
The New York City Police Department used bicycles to pursue speeding motorists in 1898.
The first speeding ticket was issued in 1902.
In 1916, 55 percent of the cars in the world were Model T Fords, a record that has never been beaten.
The first gas gauge appeared in cars in 1922.
In 1923, 173 new inventions by women for cars had been reported. Among these inventions were a carburetor and an electric engine starter.
The first car radio was invented in 1929.
Buick introduced the first electric turn signals in 1938.
The Peanuts characters were first animated in 1957 for a Ford Fairlaine automobile commercial.
Most American car horns beep in the key of F.
The automobile is the most recycled consumer product in the world today.
We can sure be thankful for how far we have come in the world of automobiles. And it sure is neat to look back on the facts!
Contact Atlantic Car Care today with questions or comments!
21 New Bern Street
Wilmington, North Carolina 28403
910-794-1390
Dirty carpets in your car are not only unsightly, but unsanitary.
Since most people don’t take off their shoes when getting into a car, the carpet can get dirty very quickly. With all that dirt getting trapped in the fibers of your car’s carpet and it being in an enclosed space, it can not only be unsightly, but unsanitary. You’ll pay quite a bit of money to have someone clean your car, but there’s no need to do that if you have time to do it yourself.
Getting Ready
Remove trash, floor mats and anything else that may hinder the cleaning process. Use a vacuum cleaner to remove loose dirt and debris. Be sure to clean under the seats.
Mix a cleaning solution of one gallon of warm water and a scoop of bleach free detergent. Add a cup of white vinegar to the solution to help eliminate carpet odors. Make sure that you have rubber gloves, a clean cloth or sponge, and clean dry towels.
Removing Stains
Mix a solution of white vinegar and water in equal parts in a spray bottle and add a couple of tablespoons of dish soap. This is one of the best and cheapest ways to eliminate stains. Spray the solution on an area and scrub it into the carpet with a clean cloth or sponge. Leave it for at least a half hour. Be sure to leave the windows down to help the carpet dry faster. Blot the area dry with a clean cloth to remove any residual cleaning solution.
For grease stains, sprinkle baby powder or cornstarch on the stain and leave it for two to three hours before vacuuming it. Clean the area with warm soapy water if there is any residual stain. A grease cutting dish soap mixed with hot water will render the best results.
Cleaning the Carpet
Scrub the carpet with a medium bristle brush or a clean cloth or sponge, being careful not to saturate it. Use the brush on particularly difficult areas and don’t forget to clean under the seats. “Rinse” the carpet with a clean cloth or sponge and use clean water to remove any residual soap. Press dry towels to the carpet and lift them to help absorb excess moisture. To avoid mold, leave the windows down to help the carpets dry and avoid setting anything, such as floor mats, on the carpet until it is completely dry.
If your original struts are worn out, damaged or leaking. Leaking is easy to see, look for oil or wetness at the top of strut, damage or broken mount, badly dented housing or noise when going over bumps and turning. But wear is often more of a subjective thing to judge. There are also instances where the original equipment struts may not be worn, damaged or leaking, but may not be adequate for the job they’re being asked to do. In such cases it would be best to measurer the ride height or bounce the car to judge rebound and damping. Ther are several ways to upgrad the suspension with stronger, stiffer or some type of special shock or strut may be recommended to improve handling, for trailer towing, hauling overloads or other special uses.
How Long a Set of Original Equipment Shocks will Last
Some original equipment shocks may be getting weak after only 30,000 or 40,000 miles. Struts usually last upwards of 50,000 or 60,000 miles.
But when exactly a shock or strut needs to be replaced is hard to say. Because the damping characteristics of shocks and struts deteriorate gradually over time, the decline in ride control often passes unnoticed. So by the time to think you need new shocks or struts, it’s usually way past the point when they should have been replaced.
Replacing these worn components will restore the ride control and handling the
vehicle demonstrated when it was new. It also means longer tire wear. New shocks
and struts also help reduce potential wear of other steering and truck, SUV or
car suspension components.
Shocks and struts should always be replaced in pairs or, better yet, all
four, for even, predictable handling and control. After all, all four have been
on the vehicle for the same number of miles and worked under the same
conditions. Remember, too, that whenever the struts are replaced, it becomes
important to check the alignment, as it may have changed, to protect your
vehicle tires and assure maximum safety.
Millions of dollars in fuel are wasted. One of the leading causes to lower fuel mileage is over look auto maintenance, due to the (fast food style) quick lube maintenance preformed every day.
Dirty Air Filters: The engine can use more than 10,000 gallons of air for every one gallon of fuel burned, you easily see the importance of a clean air filter. The air filter should be checked at every oil change and changed every 12,000 to 18,000 mile depending on driving conditions. MPG Penalty: Up to 2 MPG
Dirty Engine Oil: Dirty engine oil causes friction in internal engine parts, reducing fuel efficiency and eventually leading to serious engine damage. MPG Penalty: Up to 1 MPG
Worn Spark Plugs: When a spark plug becomes worn it can cause inefficient combustion, resulting in wasted fuel. We recommend referring the your cars owners manual for mileage intervals of spark plug replacement. MPG Penalty: Up to 2 MPG
Fuel Filter: Dirty fuel filters allow dirt, rust and even water into the fuel system, causing not only loss of fuel mileage the need of major fuel injection repairs. MPG Penalty: Up to 2 MPG
Tire Inflation: Low air pressure increases the roll resistance and cause a loss of fuel mileage. It also greatly reduces the tire life mileage, your air pressure should be check on a weekly bases to maximize the tire life and fuel mileage. MPG Penalty: 1 to 2 MPG
Fuel Cap: Missing, damaged or loose fuel tank caps cause over 147 million gallons of fuel to evaporate in to the air each year. Not only is that bad for our environment it does not help our fuel mileage. MPG Penalty: Up to 2 MPG
Worn Oxygen Sensors: A failed oxygen sensor is unable to adjust and/or maintain proper air to fuel ratios. Incorrect fuel mixture not only lead to poor fuel mileage, it also cause emission components to fail. MPG Penalty: Up to 4 MPG
Wheel Alignment: Proper wheel alignments are very important to maintain on your vehicle, miss aligned wheel increase the roll resistance and wear tires . This would be equal to driving with 1 foot on the gas and 1 foot on the brake. MPG Penalty: 1.5 to 2 MPG
So, now you can see why low fuel cost starts with great auto maintenance not searching all over town for the lowest price at the pump.
Now it’s time to do you and your automobile a favor and have one of our ASE Master Techs preform a Auto Health Inspection today.
Call Jackie at 910-794-1390 to schedule your appointment today.
What are they?
Your car’s starting and charging systems, and the battery help ensure dependable vehicle operation whenever you drive your car and in all sorts of driving conditions. Make sure to check these systems regularly.
What does it do?
The battery stores electrical energy and the starter converts that energy into mechanical force to turn the engine for starting. The alternator produces electric current to replace what the starter used during start-up and to support electrical loads when the engine is running. An ignition module turns the low-voltage supply to the ignition coil on and off, and the coil produces the high voltage for the ignition system. This creates a spark at the spark plugs and ignites the air/fuel mixture in the engine. A belt transmits power from the front of the engine to the alternator’s pulley, along with other accessories.
Typical Wear and Tear
Driving habits such as frequent engine on/off cycles will cause more wear on the starter than a simple trip back and forth to work. Other factors include:
- Driving and weather conditions
- Mileage
- Vehicle age
- Excessive electrical draws like in-vehicle entertainment systems
Symptoms
- Headlights and interior lights dim
- “Check Engine” and/or battery light may come on
- Accessories fail to operate
information written and provided by carcare.org
Contact Atlantic Car Care today with questions or comments!
21 New Bern Street
Wilmington, North Carolina 28403
910-794-1390
Gas prices are simply discussed to often. But, we all know gas is back up in price and it is one of our largest and most frustrating expenses! So, why not try to get the best bang for your buck at the most important time. We’re sure you’ve heard this before, but here it is one more time!
Keep Your Engine Properly Tuned
Fixing a car that is noticeably out of tune or has failed an emissions test can improve its gas mileage by an average of 4 percent, though results vary based on the kind of repair and how well it is done.
Fixing a serious maintenance problem, such as a faulty oxygen sensor, can improve your mileage by as much as 40 percent.
Fuel Economy Benefit: 4%
Equivalent Gasoline Savings: $0.15/gallon
Keep Tires Properly Inflated
You can improve your gas mileage by up to 3.3 percent by keeping your tires inflated to the proper pressure. Under-inflated tires can lower gas mileage by 0.3 percent for every 1 psi drop in pressure of all four tires. Properly inflated tires are safer and last longer.
The proper tire pressure for your vehicle is usually found on a sticker in the driver’s side door jamb or the glove box and in your owner’s manual. Do not use the maximum pressure printed on the tire’s sidewall.
Fuel Economy Benefit: Up to 3%
Equivalent Gasoline Savings: Up to $0.12/gallon
Use the Recommended Grade of Motor Oil
You can improve your gas mileage by 1–2 percent by using the manufacturer’s recommended grade of motor oil. For example, using 10W-30 motor oil in an engine designed to use 5W-30 can lower your gas mileage by 1–2 percent. Using 5W-30 in an engine designed for 5W-20 can lower your gas mileage by 1–1.5 percent. Also, look for motor oil that says “Energy Conserving” on the API performance symbol to be sure it contains friction-reducing additives.
Fuel Economy Benefit: 1–2%
Equivalent Gasoline Savings: $0.04–$0.08/gallon
Replacing a Clogged Air Filter on Modern Cars Improves Performance but Not MPG
A new study shows that replacing a clogged air filter on cars with fuel-injected, computer-controlled gasoline engines does not improve fuel economy but it can improve acceleration time by around 6 to 11 percent. This kind of engine is prevalent on most gasoline cars manufactured from the early 1980s onward.
Tests suggest that replacing a clogged air filter on an older car with a carbureted engine may improve fuel economy 2 to 6 percent under normal replacement conditions or up to 14 percent if the filter is so clogged that it significantly affects drivability.
The effect of a clogged air filter on diesel vehicles will be tested in the near future.
Note: Cost savings are based on an assumed fuel price of $3.87/gallon.
Just like our bodies need water, cars need oil. Oil lubricates the piston walls, so they don’t seize. It removes contaminates from the engine, by trapping them in the oil filter. Overtime, just like anything that is removing waste and sitting , the oil gets dirty. Due to combustion residue, wear particles, and environmental dust oil gets dirty and looses it’s lubricating qualities with time and use.
Motor oil is a complex mix of not just oil, but numerous additives that give it the properties it needs for modern vehicles. The heat of compression and combustion minutely leak past the piston rings into the motor oil. Every time you shut an engine off, condensation forms in the crankcase. Motor oil contains these various additives to keep the inside of the engine clean which prevents gum, sludge and varnish. Extreme Pressure additives prevent camshaft, lifter and bearing wear. There are additives to prevent high temperature oxidation as well. And, additives to make the oil flow easily at low temperatures and resist flow at high temperatures.
The oil filter traps physical particles of dirt over 25 microns in size. The filter doesn’t stop abrasives smaller them 25 microns from entering. High numbers of miles traveled reduce the quality of the additives in the motor oil, which indicates it is time to change it!
So, picture the engine in your car like the inside of your body. As stated earlier, our bodies need water. But, if the water was entering our bodies and not ever leaving, it would initially do all the jobs it needed to do and keep everything inside clean. But after sitting in our stomach for long periods of time, like oil, the water would eventually stop doing its job as well since it would be contaminated from all the wear and tear on your body, overtime.
Contact Atlantic Car Care today with questions or comments!
21 New Bern Street
Wilmington, North Carolina 28403
910-794-1390
