Part 1 - Save fuel in the
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 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
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
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
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
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
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 |