HomeMy WebLinkAboutGoderich Signal Star, 2011-11-02, Page 31Goderich Signal -Star • Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Diary of a fuel-efficient driver
(NC) ---Dear Diary: today I accelerated gently, maintained a steady
speed, anticipated upcoming traffic, coasted to decelerate, avoided
speeding, saved money on fuel and reduced my carbon footprint
Some people do keep track of their fuel consumption and why not? A
European study found that drivers who are calm, cool and calculated in
their driving consume significantly less fuel than aggressive drivers. In
fact, aggressive drivers consumed an average of 39 per cent more fuel In
city traffic than their Zen counterparts..
Although they may not make a Hollywood movie out of your diary
entries, you could pinch enough pennies to walkyour own red carpet
with the money you'll save just by keeping track.
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Preventive maintenance
keeps your car
on the road
Many motorists bemoan themyriad costs
associated with owning a vehicle. According
to the National Automobile Dealers Associ-
ation, the average price for a new car in Can
ada Is just over $25,000. But as any vehicle
owner knows, that sticker price is only the
beginning. The cost of maintaining a vehicle
and keeping it on the .road is not exactly
insignificant.
As the economy begins to rebound, a
good percentage of motorists have resolved
to keep their vehicles on the road longer in
an effort to stretch their automobile dollars.
That's a sound resolution, and one that is
not necessarily difficult to accomplish. Con-
trary to popular( belief, cars are built to last,
and it's often a driver's poor habits that
reduce a car's life expectancy as opposed to
the vehicle manufacturers product. Drivers
can lengthen a vehicle's lifespan by employ-
ing preventive maintenance that should
keep a car running strong for years to come%
Air Filter
When examining the vehicle's air filter
(check the vehicle manual for location), look
for dirt or dust buildup. tithe filter is filthy,
simply replace it. Auto parts stores sell air
filters, and most drivers shouldn't have trou-
ble replacing a filter by themselves. A dirty
air filter can negatively effect fuel economy
and make it seem as though a vehicle is con-
stantly going uphill in a stiff wind. When a
dirty air filter is replaced, drivers will notice
an instant impact in how the car drives and
are likely to save a few dollars at the filling
station as well.
Belts and Hoses
lasues with belts or hoses are often recog-
nizable to the naked eye, regardless of a
driver's automotive skill. A hose in poor
condition can appear bulging or brittle, and
should not feel too soft or too hard. If a hose
exhibits any of these symptoms, replace it. A
belt that's worn or frayed should also be
replaced.
Brake Fluid
One of the more expensive repair jobs on
a vehicle Is to replace the brakes. Brakes will.
need to be replaced over the course of a
vehicle's lifespan, but drivers should rou-
t nely check the vehicle's brake fluid. With-
out sufficient brake fluid, the brakes'
lifespan decreases dramatically. Checking
the brake fluid is easy; simply look in the
owner's manual to find brake fluid reservoir
and remove the lid (some .vehicles might
require the lid be unscrewed). The reservoir
will likely have instructions on the inside
advising how much brake fluid should be
added. If the fluid is below the line of demar-
cation, add fluid up to that line. But be care-
ful not to overfill. Check the brake fluid lev-
els
eoels on a monthly basis.
Motor Oil
Oil change guidelines have changed dra-
matically thanks to better cars and more
reliable motor oils. But it still helps to check
motor oil levels after every fill up. If motor
oil levels are low, add more oil. If oil is sig-
nificantly low after each fill up, consult a
mechanic just to be safe.
Exhaust -
Once a year, be it at a routine tune up or
should repair work be necessary, ask your
mechanic to check the vehicle's emissions.
Failing an emissions test might be against the
law, and a failed test could be indicative of a
larger problem.
In addition, inspect the muffler and
exhaust pipe for holes, particularly after