| Helpful Tips from the AutoMall.com Archive... |
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How long does it take to gas up your car? Less than 90 seconds for a 12 gallon fill-up at the
new pumps that do the credit card routine automatically. You can gas-up and be on your way in 3
minutes or less. Technology has moved even further from the traditional full station where an
attendant cleaned the windshield and offered to check oil, belts and tires. This is one reason 86% failed inspection during National Car Care Month last year. The most
common discrepancy was underinflated tires, accounting for one out of three failures. For
motorists driving with low tire pressure, the purchase of a tire gauge could produce a 500%
return on their investment.
"Underinflated tires can cost a motorist one or two miles per gallon," says Don Midgley,
President of the Car Care Council, sponsors of National Car Care Month. "The Department of
Energy tells us that if all tires were properly inflated about 4 million gallons of gas could
be saved every day. Unfortunately, most people don't own a tire gauge. In fact, you may not
even find an air hose or tire gauge where you buy your gas. So, unless the owner has a relative
or friend who owns a tire gauge and air pump, he may find his way to a tire store or repair
facility to get it done. It's something else to put off for another day. Twenty-seven percent of vehicles were found to have low or dirty engine oil; 24% had dirty air
filters, both of which affect engine life and/or performance, according to Midgley. "None of
these three checks are difficult to do. But for people who are reluctant to probe around under
the hood or use a tire gauge, there are plenty of service facilities who will do so." To encourage better maintenance, the Council offers free literature on the subject. Send a
stamped, self- addressed, business-sized, envelope to Car Care Council, Department SRE8-UH, 42
Park Drive, Port Clinton, OH 43452. More information is available on Car Care Council's web
site located at: www.carecarecouncil.org. Brought to you as a public
service by Car Care Council. Visit the Council's web site:
www.carcarecouncil.org. |
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