Gas-Saving Ideas From ASE

                             

                                          

As years past, prices of commodities, services, even tuition fees increases (hopefully our income as well). Anyway, everything goes up and one of the common concerns of consumers around the world is the high prices at the gas station. We never seem to get price roll up, sad to say, and facing these realities, a lot of us  find ways to keep up with it – sharing rides, making every trip count, buying more economical cars, taking public transportation instead of driving their own car are some of the cost-saving ideas many of us consider doing.

However, there are a number of individuals who necessitate the use of  a vehicle in their everyday lives, perhaps because of their line of work. Hence, many are still yearning to find solutions in saving from gasoline expenses. Well, these yearnings are no longer a lingering thought but today you will learn some gas-saving tips that you yourself can do.

The experts from ASE, National Institute of Automotive Service Excellence gathered some easy-to-follow ideas on fuel conservation and how to utilize your car’s miles per gallon at its optimum level.

Gas saving ideas that you can do without an expert mechanics help.

Regularly Monitor Tire Condition  

Tires that are under-inflated or if you have misaligned wheels while driving ,forces your engine to work twice than its normal pace. This means more waste on your fuel consumption. Knowing the condition of your tire and by resolving the problem immediately, you can avoid the extra expenses on fuel.

Remove Unnecessary and Extra Weight

Weight affects mileage, thus removing those extra weight that’s been tagging along with you for so long will surely bring about better mileage. Time to get the junk out of the trunk!

Maximize Every Trip

Plan your trip. This is very simple and yet most of us neglect to see the value of saving on gas and mileage if we have an organized and well planned trips and errands that we do everyday. Before you leave for work or whatever it is that you do daily, it is best to know your route and plan where to go first, next and then to your last stop. It is not only convenient but time-saving, gas-saving, fast and you get to finish all your task.

Don’t Forget To Have Your Engine Tuned-Up

Although you can easily do filter and fluid replacement at home by simply following your owner’s manual, it is best to let ASE-certified automobile technicians do the work for you, considering that most vehicles today are manufactured with high-tech engines.

Make sure that issues such as poor acceleration, rough idling and increase in fuel usage get corrected right away.

Use Your A/C and Windows Wisely

When driving at highway speeds, keep your windows up to minimize air drag. And if you are in stop-and-go traffic, save fuel consumption by turning off your A/C.

Turn off Engine To Avoid Excessive Idling

If you are fetching someone and need to wait for a while, turn off your engine. If it’s hot, get out of the car so you can refrain from turning on the A/C while waiting.

Avoid Speeding

Observe speed limits. Keep in mind that speeding decreases miles per gallon.

Drive Gently

Avoid abrupt acceleration, it sucks up gas like crazy. Speed up gradually. Knowing your route ahead of time and anticipating the traffic patterns of your way helps you maintain good driving speed.

By simply applying these simple ideas to your own vehicle and driving habits, you are certain to save on gas and mileage. Know that ASE certified technicians wear blue and white insignia and carries with them their credentials, listing the exact area(s) of certification. Most employers the blue and white ASE sign on their walls.

ASE aims to improve automotive service and repair by continuously putting effort in providing voluntary testing and certification of auto service professionals. A million thanks to the untiring support of ASE.    #CommunityTirePros.com

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Knowing The Signs of Transmission Problems

Transmission problem is not a common issue. It would take years after the purchase before these problems manifest and knowing the symptoms must be considered to avoid further damage. Having a regular scheduled check up will help you anticipate possible transmission issues to occur, thus, you are able to prevent it from happening.

Remember that transmission replacement or repair is a gruelling effort to do and is quite expensive so to speak. That is why it is virtually important to address any off activities that your car is undergoing. Always pay attention even to the littlest detail. Make sure to adhere to the scheduled maintenance, doing so will help keep your transmission perform well for a longer period.

Therefore, it is recommended that every car owner should learn the common types of transmission issues so that problems can be detected right away before damage becomes worse. Here are some noticeable signs when you’re having a transmission issue with your car:

1. Engine warning light on the dashboard is on.

When the engine light is turned on, it clearly indicates that something is wrong with your car, in particular, your transmission. Although, it doesn’t automatically point out that one’s the engine warning light is on your transmission is also affected. It could mean other parts of the car. But then again, it is wise to have your car check immediately if the warning sign catches your attention.

2. Brake fluid leaking

Ignoring leaking brake fluid is one of the top car issues that causes damage to your transmission. The ATF or automatic transmission fluid is very important as it lubricates, cleans and conditions the seals of your vehicle. It also acts as the hydraulic fluid. Without it, the engine will not function

Leaking is actually the easiest symptom car owners can detect if their car needs to be check immediately. Seeing this sign should not be ignored and must be address to right away.

3. Unusual and disturbing noise

Clunking, buzzing and whining noise are just some of the sounds that you hear when there is a problem with your transmission. Unusual car noises can make you wonder and ask yourself, where is that noise coming from? What is that noise? If you’re in this kind of situation, it is suggested that you let your mechanic check your vehicle right away. Diagnosing the problem early and repairing it as soon as possible keeps you from further headache and will be less costly on your part.

4. Grinding sound whenever you change gears

When you hear a grinding sound, it is a sign that your engine lack brake fluid. Without brake fluid, stepping on the clutch pedal prevents the clutch to push the lever on the transmission in full, therefore the transmission is having a hard time shifting into another gear.

5. Odd odor

If you notice an odd smell of something burnt is another sign of a transmission problem. The smell comes from the burned clutch lining which is very essential in shifting gears. Over using your clutch or clutch driving is mainly the causes of such problem.

6. Gear breaking out

While driving, if you experience your gear breaking out or slipping out from engagement then this is an indication that something is wrong with your transmission. This should be taken to a shop for diagnosis then have it repaired right away. Gear that is breaking out is detrimental to your safety especially when driving, either going up or down a slope. This is one problem that should not be ignored or neglected.

7. Car does not move

After starting the engine and your car still do not move after engaging the gear is another sign of a transmission issue. Even when you step hard on the gas pedal, it still won’t run. Usually this is due to a transmission lining problem.

These signs should always be kept in mind to avoid accident on the road. If you notice something like these, then have your car checked by a well-trained and experienced technician at a reputable auto repair shop.

Scheduled check up is indeed vital and car owners must prioritize matters like this. Even when your car is performing well, it is best not to skip scheduled maintenance. Preventing accidents from happening is better than blaming yourself after. The cost of car maintenance is far cheaper than having to have your vehicle repaired due to damage. So don’t wait for problems to occur, always adhere to your schedule vehicle maintenance. And if early signs of vehicle issues occur, don’t ignore it, bring your car to your local repair shop right away.

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Warning Signs of Brakes Wearing Down

Safe driving is not only about following the correct speed or following traffic rules – it is more than that. You must have at least an idea of the importance of your car parts particularly the brakes. Car brakes have also their wear and tear; you must know when the appropriate time to have it change or recognize signs of them wearing down.

Being a woman is not an excuse. You might think…oh, it’s my husband’s job to know that. Anyone who drives must be aware of these things. It is not necessary to do it yourself, as long as you know how to detect the need for a brake check-up is far better than driving around, obliviously putting you and your family’s life at risk.

Warning Signs

1.       Weak response when stepping on the brakes

If you notice that stepping on your pedal brakes is not as responsive as it used to then it is something to be considered. Or perhaps, it sinks towards the floor while stepping on it. Experiencing these scenario are indications that brake change is imminent. Reasons for reduced responsiveness of your brakes may include leaking in your brake system, air leak (hose), and brake fluid leak.

2.       Pulling Effect

Pulling effect means, if you try to step on the brake pedal and your vehicle is pulled to one side – it may be because of an uneven lining. There could also be presence of foreign matters in your brake fluid. That being said, your brake system may need adjustment or a need for fluid draining and replacement.

3.       Loud Grinding or Growling Sound

When you hear a sharp howling noise while braking – this means your brake pads are completely worn out. The growling noise is the result of the disc and caliper rubbing together. Ignoring this can scratch your rotors causing the uneven surface which will actually incur bigger expenses. Your mechanic will advise you to have your rotors “turned” or replaced. Turned is a process that evens the rotor surface.

4.       Vibrating or Pulsating Brake Pedal

Vibration is usually a sign of warped rotors although this could also mean a problem with the alignment.

If your anti-lock brakes are not engaged and vibration occurs while braking, this is a sigh of warped rotors. Severe use of your brake system (steep-mountain driving or towing) causes warped rotors. Activities like driving in steep mountains or towing and the like produces tremendous friction which is the cause of warping. And, once the brake pads are unable to grab an even surface, vibration occurs. If being in this situation is inevitable, make sure to take a break every now and then to allow breaks to cool off.

The braking system is the most commonly overlooked section by car owners which is supposedly tantamount to safety. Thus, knowing when to have a brake system check-up or learning the signs of a worn out brake system ensures your safety in as much as avoid possibility of costly repairs. Importantly, circumvent any untoward circumstances or any types of road accidents just because of mere brake system negligence.

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Author Bio:

Howard J. Fleischmann Sr. is the owner of Community Tire Pros and Auto Repair...offering complete automotive repair as well as brake repair and replacement and service to both domestic and import vehicles.