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 Cascade Automotive Service in Grand Rapids
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What People Say About Us
Always top notch service! On time as promised and with prices that are always better than the dealership.
I've had several cars serviced by Cascade Auto Services. They do a great job at a fair price. Perhaps more importantly, they are have shown the utmost integrity in working on my vehicles.
Jeff and his guys do a wonderful job of providing service and explaining the process behind what they are doing and why it needs to be done. I highly recommend Cascade Automotive Service!
Since moving to the Grand Rapids area I went from repair shop to repair shop looking for a place that did great work and had fair prices. Went a decade before finding Cascade Automotive and now that is where I take my vehicles. They accurately diagnose the issues, fix things right, all at the reasonable price. I trust Cascade Automotive.
Cascade Automotive has always given us top notch service on all of our vehicles! And much better pricing than dealerships. Also love that it’s close to home and can walk home after dropping off my vehicle. Very reliable service, they have our trust!
Great service at Cascade Automotive Service. They are very efficient. This was appreciated greatly. A sense of urgency when you don't have a car is very nice. They explain in detail what needs to be fixed get the job done right. They also open at 7:30 which is nice for early drop offs before work. I would recommend this service. Thank you!
