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Maintaining your vehicle saves you money and reduces air pollution
Many people shy away from basic car maintenance, afraid they don’t know how, don’t have the money, and don’t have the time. The truth is that basic car maintenance is easy and the benefits are great. You will save money in the long run!
Proper car maintenance will:
- Improve fuel economy reducing the amount of gas you put in the tank
- Help keep you safe
- Prevent major break downs
- Extend the vehicle’s life
- Increase the vehicle's resale value
- Reduce air pollution
Car Care Tips
- Keep tires inflated to the manufacturer-recommended pressure.
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, you can improve your gas mileage by around 3.3 percent by keeping your tires properly inflated. Recommended tire pressure is listed on the inside edge of the driver’s door, inside the glove box, or in the owner’s manual. Make sure to check all four tires at least once a month with a tire gauge.
- Make sure all maintenance is performed on time.
A poorly tuned car can waste 10-20% of the fuel it uses.
- Make sure that the air filter is changed when needed.
A clogged air filter can cause a 10% increase in fuel consumption.
- Check your gas cap to be sure it fits tightly.
If you’re not sure, free gas cap testing is offered by the city of San Antonio at various times. Call 311 for more information.
- Look out behind you!
If your car’s exhaust is sending out smoke signals, you may have an oil leak or an improper gasoline-air mixture in the engine.
- Reduce fuel consumption during highway driving by using overdrive and/or cruise control. Also, keep the windows closed on the highway; open windows create drag and reduce gas mileage.
- Unpack the junk
The more weight your car carries, the worse your gas mileage will be.
- Obey the speed limit and avoid jackrabbit starts.
Putting the pedal to the metal will cost you at the pump!
- Use a sunshade to keep your car cooler while it’s parked.
Your air conditioner won’t have to work as hard! Air conditioning taxes the engine and uses extra gas.
- Have your oil changed every 3,000 miles
Oil reduces friction within the engine, which includes gas mileage.
For more information on car maintenance and safety check out our Car Care 101 booklet.
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