Technical Advice

FUEL ECONOMY

By simply having your vehicle’s oil and oil filter changed, replacing a dirty air filter and keeping tires properly inflated you can improve your gas mileage.

Don’t ignore that Check Engine Light – it often proves to be a malfunction that affects gas mileage.

Often ignored by drivers, the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL), also known as a “Check Engine Light”, can indicate anything from an improperly installed gas cap to a serious maintenance problem. In our experience an improperly installed gas cap is rarely the problem. The MIL is a warning for multiple systems. Depending on the year of the vehicle it can indicate a problem with the engine, transmission or even brakes or suspension.

The manufacturer’s scheduled maintenance, usually around 30,000 60,000 90,000 and 120,000 miles are vital to the longevity of your vehicle and can affect gas mileage. At different mileage intervals this maintenance schedule has some routine repairs built in including tune-ups. These recommended maintenance schedules are not meant to replace regular oil changes.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS

Ask Rick’s about recycling used or damaged car batteries. These batteries contain toxic amounts of lead and acid. Tires are banned from most landfills, and illegally dumped tires become breeding grounds for mosquitoes and other pests. We recycle our customer’s old tires when they purchase new ones. We charge a small fee that covers our expense to recycle. Ask your tire seller what he does with your used tires. Maintain your vehicle by checking your air filter and fluid levels, checking tires for tread wear and proper inflation, and checking the condition of your windshield wipers. Be sure to check your car for drips and leaks. Properly maintaining your vehicle will reduce pollution and replacement parts, and help you keep safe on the road.