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 our customers say
We've had a lot of work done at Beiler's with our older cars and always get a full diagnostic with explanations of needed, recommended and/or could be put off repairs. No high pressure selling, just the facts and at a fair price. Strongly recommended as your go to repair shop. Types of work done on two different vehicles: brakes, tires, ball joints, oil changes, coolant flushes, AC inspections and diagnostics for engine repair. They also have loaner vehicles if you need one, you do need to schedule in advance but worth the extra time invested.
If you could only add more stars for their rating. We were on the highway when brakes were acting strange. Called triple AAA when we got of the highway. They recommended Beiler's Auto Repair as one of there approved auto repair shops. We pulled in unannounced 2:30 P.M. and left 5:00 P.M. Both front brakes replaced and L.O.F. Thanks to Danny Beiler and his team.
We most definitely would recommend Beiler's Auto. Superior service from 1500 miles away. A car issue was identified, while we were back up north. Through conversations with the Beiler team, our car was towed to their shop, problem identified, fixed and the car was returned to our garage by the owner and the manager. Out standing service and communication.
Fast, fair and friendly! I stopped by Beiler's Auto Repair when I was driving through town in a rush and read their Google reviews. So glad I did, these guys are above amazing and welcoming! I was helped as soon as I walked in and was back on the road within 20 minutes. Ladies, I know sometimes it's a scary task to get your car looked at on your own, but Beiler's is seriously the place to go!!! Super trustworthy and honest! Danny took care of me and my 2007 Lincoln MKX while I got to hang out in the unique and retro waiting area. He was so professional and kind. The attention to detail and customer experience really makes this place stand out. If you are looking for an auto shop in Sarasota, you are in good hands here. Thank you thank you Danny!! 100/100
