10 Minute Pre-Trip Checkup Can Pay Off
A properly maintained vehicle is safer and more dependable and will even
save a few dollars at the gas pumps. Motorists should plan ahead to allow
time to perform necessary maintenance themselves or at the local service
facility.
Car Care Council offers three suggestions for a traveler's 10-minute pre-
trip checklist:
- Check all fluids - There are
several fluids that require attention: Engine Oil, power steering, brake and
transmission fluids, and windshield washer solvent and antifreeze/coolant.
- Check all hoses and belts - A belt failure can affect the
electrical system, air conditioning, power steering, and the cooling system.
Cooling system hoses may be deteriorating from within, so old hoses and
clamps in marginal condition might need to be replaced.
- Check
the tires - Check tire inflation and inspect the tread for uneven wear,
indicating the need for wheel alignment. Also look for bulges and bald
spots.
Follow these tips to maximize fuel efficiency of your vehicle:
- Vehicle gas caps - about 17%
of the vehicles on the roads have gas caps that are either damaged, loose or
missing altogether, causing 147 million gallons of gas to vaporize every
year.
- Under inflated tires - when tires aren't inflated properly
it's like driving with a parking brake on. It can cost a mile or two per
gallon.
- Worn spark plugs - A vehicle can have either four, six
or eight spark plugs, which fire as many as 3 million times every 1,000
miles, resulting in electrical and chemical erosion from heat.
- Dirty air filters - A clogged air filter creates a "rich" mixture -
the proportion of gas to air is incorrect. This wastes fuel and causes the
engine to lose power. Replacing a clogged air filter can improve gas mileage
by as much as 10%.
- Don't drive aggresively - Aggressive driving
can lower gas mileage by as much as 33% on the highway and 5% on city
streets.
- Avoid excessive idling - sitting idle gets zero miles
per gallon. Letting the vehicle warm up for one to two minutes is
sufficient.
- Drive the speed limit - Gas mileage decreases
rapidly at speeds above 60 mph. Each mile driven over 60 results in an
additional 10 cents per gallon. Increase fuel efficiency by using cruise
control.
Discover More About Prices and Repair Services At Pelletier's Auto Repair in Lowell
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What People Say About Us
Brought my Honda Civic to Mark Pelletier for new brakes, thought I needed front and back, turned out only front. Also lights on dash that were indicating problems. Happy to say he fixed all and my car is 100% in tiptop shape.
Great mechanic, honest, reliable and you don't have to worry about being taken. My defroster was making a loud noise and could only bring it up a notch or 2. Thought the motor was gone, but come to find out it was chipmunks or squirrels making a surprise nest. Once again Mark cleared that up and it wasn't the motor after all. Saved me some money!! Oh and he has a great smile and is very personable and takes care of his customers. Thanks Mark! Highly recommend
Celine Beaudry, 03/01/2021
Great honest mechanic,
5 stars all the way!
Marc is very honest and knowledgeable. Always get my vehicle in and out in a timely fashion. Thanks Marc!!!
My husband and I have been going to Pelletier's for over fifteen years. Our friends recommended this shop and still do. They are honest, have fair prices and offer expert auto repair. Mark is an excellent mechanic. They have been very accommodating to our requests to save money. We highly recommend them. They can be trusted.
The best! Honest and reliable. Highly recommended!
Been coming here since the day I found this place. I bring all 3 of my vehicles here for anything and everything. Marc does top notch work.
