How a Few Simple Checks Can Save Gas and Save Money

Most people don't know that problems with the way their car performs can end up costing them good fuel economy. If the car you drive is not running at its best then you are loosing money and fuel economy every time you drive.

A few simple things to look for on a regular basis may prevent problems with your car can affect your gas mileage. In addition to saving gas by keeping your car running at its best, you might also be preventing costly repair bills in the future.

More important than either of these is that you will be keeping your car as safe as it can be. You may prevent a critical failure that could result in an accident.

Generally it is suggested that most maintenance should be left to the professionals. But once each month you can do the following to identify problems that can cost you money and gas down the road: (excuse the pun!)

1. Check tire pressure and look for signs of uneven wear or embedded objects that can cause air leaks. In winter, check tire pressure whenever there is a sharp change in temperature.

2. Check for leaks in any of the fluid systems. Observe the area around the car. Observe the area under the car around the engine. If you notice some fluid then you need to see where it is coming from. One way to identify the fluid is by its color. Transmission fluid is usually pink, fluid from the cooling system is a bright yellowish green color, and brake fluids and power steering fluids are almost clear, but have a slight tinge of brown. Oil is the easiest to identify as it is black. All of these fluids are all oily to the touch. In the summer you may see water from condensation from the air conditioning. This is normal and does not indicate a problem.

3. Check the level of your fluids. This would entail the engine oil, the engine coolant, the transmission fluid and the power steering fluid. Make sure you top off any that are low. Check with the owner's manual to make sure you are doing this properly.

4. Check under the hood for cracked or leaking radiator hoses and cracked or split spark plug wires. Also check for loose clamps and check the battery for any visible signs of corrosion.

5. Check for problems with the brakes. On a straight, flat and traffic-free stretch of road, rest your hands lightly on the steering wheel and apply the brakes gradually. If the vehicle swerves to one side, one of the brake linings may be worn more than the other, or the brakes may need adjustment.

6. Use a similar test to check for problems with wheel alignment. On a straight, flat and traffic-free stretch of road, rest your hands lightly on the steering wheel and drive at an even speed. If the vehicle pulls to one side, the wheels may be misaligned.

These are the basic things you can check on your car monthly. Doing this will keep your car running at its best. A car that is running properly will save you gas, save you money and keep you safe!

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Scott Siegel has written a 143 page book of automotive industry insider information on saving gas and dollars at the pump (beatthegaspump.com). Visit us to learn how you can get better gas mileage. Find out how to increase gas mileage.