Here are 7 Tips to Save Gas, Money and Be Safe While You Travel

November 18, 2011 - The holidays are a time when people like to hop in their cars to visit friends and family out of town. Matt Allen, owner of Virginia Auto Service in Phoenix, Arizona, and cohost of Bumper to Bumper Radio,offers drivers these 7 tips to increase gas mileage, save money and make sure that you’re safe when traveling by car this holiday season.
1. Make Sure Your Tires Are Properly Inflated and in Good Condition
Most importantly, make sure your tiresare properly inflated and are not worn or damaged. Your car’s operator’s manual will have the appropriate pressure range for your tires which may be different from what is stamped on the side of your tires. You’ll increase your current gas mileage by 3.3% just by driving on properly inflated tires. And don’t forget to check to make sure that there is enough tread and that the tires are not worn or damaged.

2. Check Your fluids.
Check your radiator when the engine is cold. It should be full and the expansion tank or overflow bottle should be filled to the level indicated on the reservoir with a 50/50 mix of antifreeze. Refill the windshield washer fluid with a winter formula to avoid freezing. On most vehicles you need to check the automatic transmission fluid with the car warmed up with the engine running in drive. Always refer to our owner’s manual for the proper fluids and procedures or consult with your local shop. NEVER open a hot radiator.

3. Get the Junk out of the Trunk
Take only what you need on your trip and leaving everything else at home. And pack light because every 100 pounds in the trunk reduces your gas mileage by 1-2%. Also, roof racks are big gas wasters, decreasing your gas mileage by as much as 5%.

4. Tighten Fuel Cap
Many drivers do not tighten the fuel cap correctly after fueling which leads to evaporation. Make sure that the fuel clap clicks when it is put back on.
5. Use the Proper Oil for Your Car and Weather Conditions
Your auto owner’s reference manual will advise on what kind of oil to use during the winter months. In cars that don’t require synthetic oils, most manufacturers recommend a 5W 30 motor oil flows better and won't become as stiff and thick in cold weather . By using the proper oil you’ll increase your gas mileage by as much as $1.5%. Furthermore, the grade of oil doesn’t matter if your oil is dirty. Make sure you get your oil changed before you take a long road trip.

6. Check for the Lowest Gas Prices
We may know where to the cheapest gas in our neighborhood, but that can be tricky when on a road trip. There are several free mobile applications that can be downloaded to your smart phone or tablet that will help you find the lowest prices when you are traveling.Look for applications like Gas Buddy, (http://www.gasbuddy.com/) Fuel Finder, (http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/fuel-finder-cheapest-gas-in/id299969005?mt=8) and AAA TripTik Mobile (https://midatlantic.aaa.com/Travel/Directions).

7. Avoid Speeding and Use Your Cruise
All cars are manufactured to get the optimal level of gas mileage at certain speed limits (usually coinciding with the federal speed limits during those model years) however, gas mileage in all cars decreases significantly at speeds higher than the speed limit. It can cost as much as $0.28 per gallon and up for every 5 mph you drive over the speed limit. Use the cruise control on your car to maintain the speed limit will not only save gas money, but save you from having to pay for a speeding ticket!

About Virginia Auto Service:
Virginia Auto Service has provided Central Phoenix with quality auto repair and service since 1995. They specialize in service and repair of Japanese and European Imports, Domestic Cars, Light Trucks & SUV’s including Mercedes repair, BMW repair, Toyota, Honda, and Audi.
All of their technicians are certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). Virginia Auto Service is accredited and A+ rated by the Better Business Bureau, and a member of the NAPA Auto Care Center, and NARPRO (Neighborhood Auto Professionals).
Virginia Auto Service was named a MotorAge Magazine Top 10 Shop and was awarded the Business of the Year in Response to Adversity Award by the Phoenix Chamber of Commerce in 2011. They were recently honored as a Top 10 Finalist for the WP Carey ASU Spirit of Enterprise Award.
For more information contact Matt Allen at 602-266-0020; http://www.virginiaautoservice.com.

virginia auto service
Wendy Kenney
Phoenix, AZ 85004
WNKenney@23Kazoos.com
480-242-5219
Virginia Auto Service
http://www.virginiaautoservice.com

This release was published on openPR.