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With Fuel Prices Rising, Proper Maintenance Can Save You Money Come and see us at Modern Tire of West Hartford for all your auto maintenance needs - | | As fuel prices rise, some analysts say Americans will continue to feel the pinch at the pump. Here are some easy maintenance tips that can help make the most of your gallon and save money down the road. Be car care aware. Instead of taking that extra money and putting it elsewhere in your life, protect your investment. You can save between 7 and 49 cents a gallon, depending on your fuel mileage, with these simple tips: The first one is easy and doesn’t cost anything. Because it’s also an important safety issue, the Car Care Council’s Women’s Board urges motorists to learn the following procedure: · |
· Use the number on the sticker in your doorjamb, or inside the gas door. This is the proper pressure for your year make and model.
· Always check tire pressures in the morning when the tires are cold. Save as much as two miles to the gallon by having the correct pressure.
· Another tip – replace the valve cover so you can keep that air.
· Another way to save 10 percent on your fuel economy is by changing your air filter regularly. It should cost about $5-20 for a new filter that will help your car run more smoothly.
· While you’re under the hood, check your spark plugs, as well. Spark plugs are something people don’t think about. Their job is to create a spark inside the engine to burn the fuel. If one of them is not functioning properly, you can waste a lot of additional fuel, so check your plugs every six months.
· One way to make the most of your gallon is by checking the gas cap. Make sure it is on tight. Believe it or not, last year, 147 million gallons of gas evaporated because people didn’t use their gas caps properly.
· Even though it’s cheaper, it’s not a good idea to try to save money by downgrading to a lower octane gas. For the best fuel economy, use the gas that is recommended for your vehicle by the manufacturer.
And finally, do not to drive aggressively. When that light turns green, it’s not a drag race. Every time you step on the gas really hard, you are wasting gas. Driving style is the final step toward saving those dollars per gallon. Drivers Beware! The Perils of Potholes Are Upon Us
 | Hitting a pothole can damage tires, wheels, steering and suspension, wheel alignment and more. The Car Care Council recommends that motorists who experience any of the following warning signs after hitting a pothole should have a professional technician at their local repair shop inspect the vehicle. |
Loss of control, swaying when making routine turns, bottoming-out on city streets or bouncing excessively on rough roads. These are indicators that the steering and suspension may have been damaged. The steering and suspension are key safety-related systems. Together, they largely determine your car’s ride and handling. Key components are shocks and/or struts,
the steering knuckle, ball joints, the steering rack/box, bearings, seals and hub units and tie rod ends. Pulling in one direction, instead of maintaining a straight path, and uneven tire wear. These symptoms mean there’s an alignment problem. Proper wheel alignment is important for the lifespan of tires and helps ensure safe handling. Low tire pressure, bulges or blisters on the sidewalls, or dents in the rim. These problems will be visible and should be checked out as soon as possible as tires are the critical connection between your car and the road in all sorts of driving conditions
Five Signs That Detroit Is Committed to Fuel Efficiency for Long term Automotive
Automotive executives are planning based on high oil and gas prices.
The New York Times reports today that Dan Akerson, G.M.’s chief executive, has told his product executives to use $120 a barrel oil and $4 a gallon gas as the basis for its vehicle development strategy.
Cars are being built ready to accept gas, hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electric drivetrains. We’ve already seen models like the Mercedes ML 450 hybrid that is available in gas, diesel or hybrid. By 2012, the Ford Focus will come with the choice of efficient gas, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and pure electric—all on the same production line. Honda globally will build gas, hybrid and EV versions of the Fit. Yes, there will always be a few drivetrain-specific models, but the big move is drivetrain flexibility: build the fuel-efficient technology that’s selling. 3. SUV plants have been rebuilt for small cars. Since 2004, Detroit Three have closed 17 assembly plants that build pickups, SUVs and vans—removing millions of low-mileage vehicles from product roadmaps. Meanwhile, automakers have invested hundreds of millions into converting those plants—and building new ones—to build smaller cars (from crossover SUVs to compacts), as well as hybrid and electrics, and the batteries that make them run. 4. Small cars are becoming profitable. As stated above, automakers have retooled for efficient high-volume production of smaller cars. At the same time, Detroit has a much better handle on overall production capacity and health care costs, which had baked in too much baseline cost in each vehicle. The marketing has shifted from powerful V8 engines, to smaller models with efficient turbocharged and direct injection engines smaller displacement (and lots of entertainment and connectivity features) that can command premiums from mainstream consumers. 5. Automakers fully understand the long-term reality of higher fuel-efficiency standards. Detroit’s big investment in hybrids, plug-in hybrids and electric cars is not a kind-hearted gesture to save the world. It’s a requirement from the government, which is mandating a 30 percent improvement in fuel efficiency between now and 2016, and an even bigger jump as we head toward 2025. “Are we going to stick with improving fuel efficiency? You don’t have a choice,” G.M.’s Akerson told the New York Times. “The government has told us what we have to do, and we will meet those goals.”
Gas-Saving Advice for Motorists MotorWeek video shows how driving style can affect MPG and offers tips on how to improve fuel economy
MotorWeek segments provided by Maryland Public Television
June 7-13, 2010 is Automotive Service Professionals WeekLeesburg, VA., January 27, 2010 – The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) has declared June 7-13, 2010, as National Automotive Service Professionals Week. This year marks the fifth anniversary of National Automotive Service Professional's Week, created to honor the commitment and dedication of automotive, truck and collision technicians, along with parts specialists and other support professionals who serve the motoring public. For 2010, ASE continues this recognition and has it listed in the 2010 Chase's Calendar of Events. “Twenty-three states issued proclamations honoring National Automotive Service Professionals Week in 2009,” said Trish Serratore, ASE Senior VP. “We will once again push to have all fifty states recognize the outstanding work done by automotive professionals across the nation.” As in years past, ASE will provide a form letter and enlist the aid of local shop owners in each state to petition their respective Governors to mark this special week. “ASE created National Automotive Service Professionals Week to acknowledge the skill and dedication of the men and women who service and maintain the highly complex vehicles upon which we depend so much for our day-to-day transportation,” said Tim Zilke, ASE president and CEO. “ASE is proud to help recognize these individuals for their commitment to their customers, their craft and the American economy.” Incorporated on June 12, 1972, the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence was established as a non-profit organization to help improve the quality of automotive service and repair through the voluntary testing and certification of automotive technicians and parts specialists. Today, there are nearly 400,000 ASE-certified professionals who work in dealerships, independent shops, service stations, collision repair shops, auto parts stores, fleets, machine shops, schools and colleges throughout the country. For more information about ASE, contact Brian at 860.233.5177.
Check Engine Light Interview Hartford, CT - May 19, 2009 - Fame radio personality Brad Davis of WDRC AM 1360 discusses cars and car repairs with Mr. John DeSimone owner of Modern Tire of West Hartford.
More Motorists Keeping Vehicles Longer Bethesda, MD – Feb. 26, 2009 – According to a recent story in USA Today, more motorists are maintaining their current vehicles instead of purchasing new ones because of the uncertain economic environment. However, recent Car Care Council survey results show that 80 percent of the vehicles inspected during 2008 vehicle check-up events needed either service or parts. “The current economic situation has people very hesitant to spend money for a new car, instead keeping their current vehicles for longer periods of time,” said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. “Since four out of five vehicles need some type of service, it’s important to remind motorists that those who keep their cars, treat them as valuable investments and commit to regular vehicle maintenance, end up saving a lot of money.” Results of vehicle inspections at community car care events across the country during National Car Care Month in April and Fall Car Care Month in October, revealed that 80 percent of vehicles needed parts replacement, service or fluids. For example, nearly one out of every 10 vehicles had the check engine light on. The top problem areas were motor oil, windshield wipers, air filters, belts and hoses and lights. Complete results can be found at http://carcare.org/NCCM. To help ensure the reliability and safety, and extend vehicle life, the Car Care Council recommends these preventive maintenance steps: Change the oil and filter every 3,000 to 5,000 miles or per the owner’s manual. Periodic oil and filter changes keep your engine clean on the inside. • Check the tire pressure at least monthly, including the spare. Your car’s tires affect its ride,
handling, traction and safety.
• Schedule a tune-up annually to optimize your car’s performance. A well-tuned engine delivers the
best balance of power and fuel economy and produces the lowest level of emissions.
• Have the alignment checked at least annually. Potholes and other road conditions, as well as
normal wear, can take their toll on your car’s steering and suspension. A wheel alignment
reduces tire wear, improves fuel economy and handling, and increases driving enjoyment and
safety.
• Inspect the windshield wipers and lights on the car. Lights and wipers play a major role in safe
driving, and they are normal wear items that need periodic replacement.
School’s Out, Here Comes Summer! Ready, Set, Go!
School is almost out and many of our customers are already planning their summer vacations and big road trips! We’d like to make sure your vacation plans stay trouble free and on track. Here are the most important things to check before heading out on the open road:
Tires - Tire pressure is so often overlooked. A tire that’s 5 pounds low on air can hurt your fuel mileage, cause premature wear and make the vehicle handle loosely. Inspect your tires before you head out by turning your wheels all the way to the left or right and then looking at the front tires to see the inside edge; if the treads look thin, let us take a look to make sure you are safe.
Tune and maintenance - Most vehicles these days go longer on a tune-up than anyone could have ever imagined years ago. But, when a system is tested under long term driving conditions, problems that don’t occur with around town driving begin to appear. Make sure the vehicle's tune is up to date and in good condition.
Oil leaks - Small oil leaks are a nuisance when the vehicle is parked or driving around town; they make a mess in the garage or driveway and may even smell a bit. On long trips however, the small oil leak can end the fun quickly after just 3 hours of hard driving. Failing seals are prone to leak much more after reaching full operating temperature for extended periods of time.
These are just a few of the common failures we see vacationing motorists come into the shop with. The best way to make your vacation plans trouble free is to make sure your vehicle is thoroughly inspected before you go. By the way, don’t schedule your appointment the day before your trip! Nothing makes a trip more stressful than not having your car to pack the day before you leave!
Will Your Car Keep Its Cool This Summer? Stop-and-Go traffic and summer heat can take their toll on your car. The pros at Modern-Tire of West Hartford a member of Automotive Service Excellence, (ASE) have some tips for keeping your car cool: Follow the service schedule recommended in your owner’s manual Flush and refill the cooling system and change the oil and filter. Remember to check the condition and levels of coolant and oil periodically. Replace worn Wiper Blades and keep plenty of washer fluid on hand. Inspect Brakes, Tires and Lights – and be sure to have engine performance
problems such as hard starts and stalling, identified and corrected. Contact Modern-Tire today to inspect the condition of Belts, Clamps, Hoses
and the Air Conditioning system.
Modern-Tire is dedicated to quality automotive service and repair through voluntary testing and certification of technicians.
For more information, contact Brian or Andy at 860.233.5177 to schedule an appointment.
Gas Saving Tips for Your Auto While it is always wise to conserve natural resources, the recent price of gasoline has made even the most wasteful people think twice. Whatever your motivation, here are some gas saving tips from the pros at the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). Monitor tires. Under inflated tires or poorly aligned wheels waste fuel by forcing the engine to work harder. (Let the tires cool down before checking the air pressure.) Out-of-line wheels, as evidenced by uneven tread wear, should be aligned by a professional. Remove excess weight. Remove unnecessary items from the vehicle. Store only essentials in the trunk. Less weight means better mileage. Consolidate trips and errands. Some trips may be unnecessary. Also, try to travel when traffic is light so you can avoid stop-and-go conditions. Avoid excessive idling. Shut off the engine while waiting for friends and family. Observe speed limits. Speeding decreases your miles per gallon. Drive gently. Sudden accelerations guzzle gas. Anticipate traffic patterns ahead and adjust your speed gradually. Use windows and air conditioning wisely. Your mileage should improve if you keep the windows closed at highway speeds, since air drag is reduced. This is true even with the air conditioning on-assuming that the system is in good working order. But turn the air conditioning off in stop-and-go traffic to save fuel. Keep your engine "tuned up." A well-maintained engine operates at peak efficiency, maximizing gas mileage. Follow the service schedules listed in the owner's manual. Replace filters and fluids as recommended; have engine performance problems (rough idling, poor acceleration, etc.) corrected by our qualified team of technicians at Modern Tire AutoService repair facility. Given today's high-tech engines, it's wise to have this type of work done by auto technicians who are ASE certified in engine performance. These conservation tips will not only save gasoline, they'll help extend the life of your vehicle. Win-win, indeed.
The Difference Between a Sunroof and a Moonroof. . .
"What is the difference between a moonroof and a sunroof?" Many think that a sunroof is clear and a moonroof is tinted. Nope, not the right answer. Others think that a sunroof will open but a moonroof will not. Wrong again. The truth is that a moonroof is actually a type of sunroof! For more info, I'm deferring to an expert, Marc Levinson of Donmar Sunroofs, who also operates the free sunroof information site, www.Sunroofs.org. Here it is:
Just as a sedan is a distinctive type of automobile, a moonroof is a type of sunroof. Sunroof is the generic term used to describe any panel in a vehicle roof which can let in light and/or air. While most sunroof panels are operable, some may be fixed.
The term moonroof was used in the 70's to describe a glass panel inbuilt electric sunroof, and is now used generically to describe all glass panel inbuilt sunroofs. An inbuilt sunroof is one where the operable panel slides between the vehicle roof and headliner, and is often powered but may be manually operated.
There are distinct categories of sunroof products, including: Pop-Up, Spoiler, Folding, Topslider, Inbuilt, Removable Panel [T/Targa] and large roof systems. Sunroofs may be OEM or aftermarket installed. Over 70% of all aftermarket sunroofs sold today are installed for new car dealers, prior to the vehicle being offered for sale. Few vehicle owners know the difference, or that the sunroof may be an aftermarket add-on when the vehicle they purchased included it.
Hope that helps inform the uninformed and reform the misinformed!
Who Rules The Road, Men Or Women? Survey Says . . .
Results of a new survey of drivers indicate that men and women have different ideas about the role of gender in driving ability.
And the survey data from U.S. drivers by TeleNav, a supplier of navigation software, uncovers other differences, too, but perhaps not as great as many might believe.
From views of their biggest driving pet peeves to texting while driving, both genders reported having similar habits on the road. However, the survey results also suggest that while their actions on the road may be similar, men and women have very different perceptions of which gender rules the road...
How To Select The Best Snow Tires Click and Clack, the Tappet Brothers - in real life Tom and Ray Magliozzi of NPR's Car Talk - have this to say about tires: "If you live in an area where it snows a fair amount, you should get four good snow tires. Nothing will make a bigger difference." Here's the secret about snow tires, or winter tires, or all-season tires: Every manufacturer puts out good ones. The difference in performance is not from choosing Brand A vs. Brand B, it's in making sure the tires are the right size for the car, and the right feel for the driver. Some tires are more aggressive than others, with deeper tread and larger lugs, and offer a noisier ride on dry pavement but more traction in snow. Other tires have less pronounced tread, and thus somewhat less traction, but offer a quieter and smoother ride on dry pavement. The choice is personal, and depends on a driver's tolerance for noise, and the amount of on-snow driving done in a winter. The American Automobile Association advises drivers to check their tires for wear, and to make sure they are properly inflated. Colder temperatures mean a difference in air pressure. The formula is 1 psi for every 10 degrees Fahrenheit of temperature. Winter in snow country can mean an average temperatures 50 degrees colder than summer, or 5 psi in tire pressure, which will affect a tire's performance, and make it wear faster. Drivers should check tire pressures often, before setting out, when the tires are cold, especially in fall and spring when temperatures are changing most dramatically.
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