Cost-Saving Tips | Parma Car Care Specialists

Cost-Saving Tips

Adopting cost-saving practices can reduce fuel consumption and expense in the long run.
In Business Since 1989

Are you ready for the road?

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there are 13,000 deaths between Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day—some due to neglected vehicle maintenance. Every year, poor vehicle maintenance leads to nearly 100,000 disabling injuries, over 2,600 deaths, and more than $2 billion in medical expenses, property damage, and lost wages.

The leading cause of mechanical failures is inadequate maintenance. For instance, the US Department of Transportation states that one of the major causes of mechanical breakdowns on highways is overheating, a situation that can be easily prevented. Other causes that are easy to detect include damaged or loose drive belts, low antifreeze/coolant, and malfunctioning cooling system hoses.

The leading cause of mechanical failures is inadequate maintenance. For instance, the US Department of Transportation states that one of the major causes of mechanical breakdowns on highways is overheating, a situation that can be easily prevented. Other causes that are easy to detect include damaged or loose drive belts, low antifreeze/coolant, and malfunctioning cooling system hoses.

An Isuzu Trooper with stickers parked on the side of a mountain.
An Isuzu Trooper with stickers parked on the side of a mountain.

Fuel Saving Tips

The Car Care Council offers these fuel-saving tips:

1. Gas Caps

Approximately 17% of vehicles on the road have gas caps that are either loose, damaged, or missing altogether. This causes about 147 million gallons of gas to vaporize in one year, which leads to a loss of 2.0 miles per gallon (MPG).

2. Under-Inflated Tires

When you drive with under-inflated tires, it’s like you’re driving with the parking brake on, which may result in a loss of 1 to 2 MPG. This situation can raise rolling resistance and lead to slower and sloppier steering inputs.

3. Worn Spark Plugs

Vehicles can be equipped with four, six, or eight spark plugs that ignite up to three million times every 1,000 miles, generating a significant amount of heat and causing electrical and chemical wear. If a spark plug is dirty, it can cause misfiring.

Misfiring causes fuel wastage. To avoid excess fuel consumption, spark plugs need to be replaced as recommended by the manufacturer. Let Parma Car Care Fleet Specialists work for you, and we’ll replace your spark plugs timely and reliably. 

4. Dirty Air Filters

Air filters clogged with dust, bugs, and dirt choke off the air and produce a “rich” mixture. This leads to excessive gas being burned for the amount of air and causes the engine to lose power.

Replacing clogged air filters can help improve engine performance. It can also prolong the life of your engine and improve fuel consumption rate by as much as 10%, saving about 20 cents a gallon. 

Fuel-Saving Driving Tips

A small change in driving habits can improve your car’s fuel consumption and increase mileage. Better driving habits can boost your vehicle’s overall fuel efficiency by as much as 30%. 

1. Don't be an aggressive driver.

Driving aggressively can decrease gas mileage by as much as 5% on city streets and 33% on highways. Per gallon, this can cost you 10 to 66 cents more. 

2. Avoid excess idling.

Idling for too long gets your vehicle 0 MPG. Letting your car or truck warm up for a few minutes is sufficient. 

3. Observe the speed limit.

Gas mileage decreases swiftly at speeds beyond 60 mph. Each MPG driven above 60 will result in an additional loss of 10 cents per gallon.

10-Minute Pre-trip Checkup

A pre-trip inspection helps reduce the chances of costly and possibly dangerous road trouble.

The Car Care Council offers three suggestions for a traveler’s 10-minute pre-trip checklist: 

Check fluids.

Gas mileage decreases swiftly at speeds beyond 60 mph. Each MPG driven above 60 will result in an additional loss of 10 cents per gallon.

Check belts and hoses.

Gas mileage decreases swiftly at speeds beyond 60 mph. Each MPG driven above 60 will result in an additional loss of 10 cents per gallon.

Check tires.

Gas mileage decreases swiftly at speeds beyond 60 mph. Each MPG driven above 60 will result in an additional loss of 10 cents per gallon.

Other Parts to Check

Wipers

While seasons change, wipers generally require replacing twice a year or every six months. The best reminder is to change your vehicle’s wiper blades at the same time you change your clock during fall and spring. Ensure that the windshield washers are running smoothly and that the reservoir has adequate solvent.

Lighting

The Car Care Council reminds motorists to check their lights monthly. The council also suggests turning on headlights both day and night, as doing so helps define your car’s position and distance from other drivers on the road. Defective lighting could give mixed signals to other motorists and could result in accidents on the road.

Keep your vehicle fuel-efficient.

Our expert team at Parma Car Care Fleet Specialists knows precisely how to make your vehicle more fuel efficient. For inquiries regarding maintenance services, you can reach us by calling +1 216-741-0446. Contact us and get your car running at peak performance. 

A mechanic holding a clipboard and a phone at an auto repair shop.