How a Few Simple Checks Can Save Gas and Save Money

By: Scott Siegel


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.

Many problems with your car can be corrected or identified with some simple things you can do on a regular basis. Not only will you be saving gas by keeping your car running at its optimum, you may also be heading off costly repair bills.

More importantly, by performing this monthly check, you will keep your car is as safe as it can be. You can identify and correct problems that if left alone could lead to critical car failures that could end up causing accidents and injury.

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. First check your tires. Check for any objects that may have become embedded in the tire causing air leaks. Look for signs of uneven or excessive wear and check the pressure. Keep your tires at the recommended pressure as listed in your owners manual.

2. Check for fluid leaks. Look around the car and especially under the car around the engine. If you see fluid then you should attempt to identify it. One way is by its color. Coolant is a bright yellowish green color, Transmission fluid is usually pink, Oil is black and brake fluids and power steering fluids are generally clear, with a slight tinge of brown . These fluids are all oily to the touch.

3. After determining there are no leaks, check the level of your fluids. Check all of the fluid levels including the transmission fluid the engine oil, the power steering fluid and the engine coolant. Make sure you bring any fluids that are low to their proper level by adding the appropriate fluid. To make sure you are doing this properly Check the owner's manual.

4. Check for a few other things while you have the hood open. If you see cracked or leaking radiator hoses or if you notice cracked or split spark plug wires you should get them fixed immediately. Check the hose clamps to make sure they are tight. Lastly check the battery for signs of corrosion. Make sure to check where the cables attach to the battery.

5. Check the brakes. Identifying brake problems can be done with this procedure. Find a flat and straight road that is traffic-free. Put your hands very lightly on the steering wheel. At a slow speed, put on the brakes gradually. If the car swerves to either to the right or to the left, it is an indication that your brakes need work. It could indicate uneven wear or that your brakes simply need adjustment. Don't wait, get this taken care of as soon as possible.

6. A similar test as performed to test the brakes can be done to test your wheel alignment. Again this needs to be done on a straight, flat and traffic-free road. Rest your hands very lightly on the steering wheel and drive the car forward at a constant but slow speed. If you feel the vehicle pulling to the right or the left, it is a good indication of poor wheel alignment.

These are just a few basic checks you can perform on your car monthly. By doing this you will keep your car running at its peak performance. If your car is running at its best, it will save you gas, money and will keep you safe!

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


Information about the Author:

Scott Siegel has written a 143 page manual of automotive industry insider information on saving gas and dollars 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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