Have you ever thought about all the little things we do to keep our lives running smoothly? Sometimes these things are totally second nature but we don't always extend those habits to our vehicles, which need regular maintenance. We may not notice a difference in the feel or appearance of the vehicle, but regular maintenance carries the hidden reward of prolonging the vehicle’s life and can also be noticeable at gas pump.
When it comes to reduced fuel economy, increased friction is often the culprit. That means that anything drivers can do to decrease friction and increase the efficiency of their engines will translate to savings on fuel. Friction increases the amount of energy it takes to move something, so if we can reduce friction, we can decrease the amount of fuel it takes to run our vehicles.
Engine oil is usually at the heart of friction problems in an engine. Too little oil means parts are not getting lubricated, which increases friction and dirty oil doesn't lubricate as well as clean oil. So, one secret to good fuel economy is to stay on top of oil changes. Don't skip them and don't procrastinate. The same goes for transmission fluid – it needs to be full and clean, and your vehicle will run better and with less friction.
Additionally, if your tires are under-inflated, it increases the friction between the tire and the road. There is increased drag, and it takes more fuel to move your vehicle. Tire pressure should be checked regularly.
Alignment and brake problems can also increase friction. Besides saving fuel, keeping these systems in good repair has the added benefit of saving you on tires and brake pads. These items wear out more quickly when the alignment is off or when the brake system is not in good working order.
Always remember that a well-maintained vehicle will require fewer repairs and can also save money at the gas pump. Contact us today for an appointment at (708) 547-1366 or by visiting https://www.krafftkare.com/appointments.