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.
Discover More About Prices and Repair Services At Priority Auto & Tire Center in Sierra Vista
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What People Say About Us
Extremely professional and quality work
Good folks and know their stuff
Mike and the crew are top notch. These guys really do care about making people happy. I will never go anywhere else. Period!
Awesome shop good friendly environment and the best prices in town
Bought a new car had some problems took it to this shop had me fixed up in no time. Will stand behind their work 100%. All the mechanics are very friendly would recommend to anyone
I highly recommend this business. Most people pass by places like this that aren't "well known" names but in this case that's a huge mistake. Back in March I got a flat tire had to get a tow because two bolts on the tire broke during the process of changing the tire. I got towed to Discount Tire they told me they don't fix tire bolts. The tow truck operator told me he would check out Priority Auto but they were already closed according to Google. We drove there to what seemed like a closed shop but the guys although off the clock were helpful and fixed the bolts, put air in the spare tire and and got me back on the road. Very reasonable with pricing and professionalism. THEY DID NOT ATTEMPT TO UP SELL ME! I will be back very soon
