Service tips
1: Keeping your engine properly tuned-
Fixing a car that is noticeably out of tune or has failed an emission test can improve its gas mileage by an average of 4.1 percent. If your car has a faulty oxygen sensor, your gas mileage may be affected as much as 40 percent!
2: Check & replace air filters regularly-
Replacing a clogged air filter can improve your car's gas mileage by as much as 10 percent. Not only will replacing a dirty air filter save gas, it will protect your engine.
3: Use factory 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 1-1.5 percent.
4: Keep tires properly inflated-
You can improve you gas mileage by around 3.3 percent by keeping your tires inflated to the proper pressure. Properly inflated tires are safer and last longer.
5: Only use certified professionals-
Visit the service professionals at our dealership for fuel saving service specials.
6: Drive sensibly-
Aggressive driving (speeding, repaid acceleration and braking) wastes gas. It can lower your gas mileage by 3 percent at highway speeds and 5 percent around town. Sensible driving is also safer for you and others, so you may save more than gas mileage.
Automotive Tips
1. What to do when you're stopped by a police officer
Safely pull to the side of the road, turn off your car, roll down the window
and keep your hands visible. Don't make any sudden moves or argue with the
officer. Do your arguing in traffic court.
2. How to deal with a flat tire
Pull completely off the road, even if it means destroying the tire. Call
roadside assistance and let that person change the tire. If you have a spare
(many cars now only have an inflation kit) and know how to change the tire,
make sure you are out of traffic and in plain sight of oncoming traffic before
changing it yourself.
3. What to do when the "check engine" light comes on
If there is any change in the car's performance, any mechanical noises, smoke
from the tailpipe or electrical smells, stop the car and call for assistance.
If there are none of these symptoms, take the car to a dealer and let them
diagnose the problem. However, if you just bought gas, the light might just be
indicating that the gas cap is loose. Tighten the cap and continue driving. The
light should go off on its own.
4. How to drive safely while talking on a cell phone
Most states ban all cell phone use by novice drivers, so be sure you
know if these provisions apply where you live. If it's permissible to use a
cell, always use a hands-free device so you can keep your hands on the wheel
and your eyes on the road. Learn how to pair your phone with the car's Bluetooth
system. Don't even think about texting while driving (no, not even at stoplights).
5. How to get an honest quote for an automotive repair
Search car sites like Edmunds.com's Car Maintenance Guide or the Web to get an estimate for how much the repair should cost.
Search online for garages with high customer ratings and ask friends for
recommended garages. Call the garage and ask for a ballpark estimate and let
the garage know you are contacting other places for their best quote. Use your
intuition to make the final decision on whom to trust.
6. How to buy a new car
Don't just wander onto a dealership's car lot. Instead, contact the Internet Department of several dealerships to get multiple quotes and compare these
with Edmunds.com's True Market Value® price for any car you're
interested in. Make sure you check incentives and rebates.
Follow up with phone calls to the Internet managers of these dealerships to
verify the terms of their offers. Finally, ask the dealership to deliver the
car to your home or office to avoid the hard sell in the finance and insurance
office.
7. What to do after an auto accident
If the car is drivable and there are no serious injuries, turn on your flashers
and pull safely out of traffic. Call the police to report the accident.
Exchange insurance information with the other driver but refrain from
discussing the accident and who is at fault. Make notes and use your cell
phone's camera to take pictures of the cars involved.
8. How to drive in rain and snow
Reduce your speed and leave more room between your vehicle and those in front
of you. Understand how to handle skids. If possible, practice reacting to
skidding in safe conditions, such as a snow-covered empty parking lot.
Understand that a car might hydroplane on a rain puddle on the road and learn
how to react to driving with reduced traction and visibility.
9. How to avoid road rage situations
Understand the severe consequences to you, your car and your driving record
when minor disagreements escalate to life-threatening situations. When someone
offends you, take a deep breath and know that your anger will dissolve in
minutes. Don't anger other drivers by cutting them off or tailgating. If you've
inadvertently angered another driver, don't get drawn into interacting with
them. Ignore them or, if necessary, change your route. Finally, repeat this
phrase: It's just not worth it.