Vehicle Maintenance Tips

Part 1 - Save fuel in the Quick Lane
Proper vehicle maintenance doesn't just help extend the life of your vehicle - it can help relieve some of the financial pressure brought on by high gas prices. The following are a few key services our factory-trained auto service technicians can perform to help boost your mpg and fuel economy.
Check your oxygen sensor. An oxygen sensor is part of your vehicle's emission control system. Replacing a faulty one can improve gas mileage by as much as 40%
Replace a clogged air filter. All of the dirt, dust and grime have a negative impact on your
Oil Change helps fuel economy engine's performance. This simple and often overlooked maintenance can increase fuel efficiency by about 10%
Get an engine tune-up. Making sure all your systems are operating at their best can save you 4% in fuel efficiency
Keep your tires inflated to the proper pressure. Making sure your tire pressure isn't too low - or too high - can improve your gas mileage by around 3%
Get the recommended grade of motor oil. Our experts offer a full line of high-quality oil and filter products from Motorcraft®. Using the one that's right for your vehicle can help improve fuel efficiency by up to 2%

Part 2 - Save fuel on the road
Saving fuel after a visit to your local Quick Lane is just the start. Here are a few things you can be conscious of when you're behind the wheel to help you squeeze a little more out of your gas dollars.
Avoid aggressive driving. Not only can it be dangerous, but constant speed changes and quick, uneven stops and starts waste a lot of fuel. Taking it easier behind the wheel can improve your gas mileage by as much as 33%
Remove excess weight. You can save about 2% in fuel efficiency for every 100 lbs. of extra clutter you can remove from your car or truck
Use your cruise control. It's almost always more fuel efficient to travel at a constant speed whenever possible
Avoid idling. It's more fuel efficient to turn off your engine when you're waiting in the car
Combine trips. Your engine works most efficiently when warmed up
Source: fueleconomy.gov

How to spot worn shocks or struts
Shocks and struts help keep your tires in contact with the road and affect your vehicle handling and control. Your local Quick Lane can help you keep an eye on the health of your shocks or struts with a Vehicle Check-Up Report. However, if you notice any of the following while driving, it's a sign you may need steering and suspension system maintenance as soon as possible.

Excessive bouncing
Loss of tire contact with the road
Excessive or uneven tire wear
A decrease in your handling or braking ability
Vibration or noise
Fluid leaks in your shocks
Dents, holes or damage to any of your shock components

How to spot worn brakes
The more you use your brakes, the faster they wear out. By design, all brakes contain special friction materials, referred to as pads or shoes, which keep the metal of your calipers from grinding against - and damaging - the metal of your rotors. This is not a built-in flaw, but simply a result of brakes working normally and safely.

Stop by your local Quick Lane for brake service if you notice any of the following:

Squeaks or grinding
A burning odor
A hard-to-press or "squishy"-feeling pedal
Shuddering or vibration in your steering wheel
Rusting or flaking in your brakes or rotors
Your brake system warning light goes on

How to spot a worn battery
The best way to avoid having to jump-start a dead battery is to learn the warning signs of an aging or worn battery. Stop by your local Quick Lane for a battery test if you notice any of the following symptoms.

Excessive corrosion around the battery terminals or cables
Bulging or deformity of the battery casing
Difficulty starting your engine
Consistent electrical system problems

While you're there, you can get a full Vehicle Check-Up Report to help you monitor your vehicle systems. It's a great way to keep up on all your truck or car maintenance needs.

How to spot worn tires
Worn tires
or if tread-wear indicators start showing

Clue

Culprit

Remedy

Both edges worn

Underinflation

Add more air; check for leaks

Center treads worn

Overinflation

Let air out to manufacturer's specifications

One-sided wear

Poor alignment

Have wheels aligned

Treads worn unevenly, with bald spots, cups, or scallops

Wheel imbalance and/or poor alignment

Have wheels balanced and aligned

Erratically spaced bald spots

Wheel imbalance or worn shocks

Have wheels balanced or replace shocks

Edges of front tires only worn

Taking curves too fast

Slow down!

Saw-toothed wearpattern

Poor alignment

Have wheels aligned

Whining, thumping, and other weird noises

Poor alignment, worn tires or shocks

Have wheels aligned or buy new tires or shocks

Squealing on curves

Poor alignment or underinflation

Check wear on treads and act accordingly