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.
What People Say About Us
Roger at RST rebuilt my 1956 Imperial's hemi superbly. This is not an easy feat to say the least and I couldn't be more appreciative.
The real one stop repair shop!
I have been a loyal customer for over 7 years with rst, Roger really knows what he's talking about and always takes the extra mile to make sure my car is not only road worthy but explains why my car needed service would recommend to anyone! If you need service and live in the tri-city area check this shop out!
Roger has exclusively worked on my automobiles for approximately a decade. This shop is like no other. You get the truth. You get expert repairs. You get expert customization. This shop builds racecars and has been around a long time. If you want the local equivalent of the Indy 500 pit crew working on your vehicle at competitive pricing, go here. If you want cheap repairs that cost more in the long run, sell your car.
Great Place. Great customer service. Very polite and informative.
This is a great repair shop,, it took me years to find a good mechanic and I finally found a knowledgeable, friendly and very good mechanic to service my car. I highly recommend RST for all of your automotive needs.
