Want to Improve Your Car’s Performance? Invest in Maintenance

Gas prices are at an all-time low in most of the US. Although many people are driving less due to the coronavirus, there is one thing that many Americans are failing to do and that is to put some of those gas savings back into their vehicle. 

The fact is that the quarantine and the virus won’t last forever. Whether or not people continue to work from home is a subject that no one knows the answer to yet, but even if folks do continue to work from home, they will still want to use their vehicle for other errands, including groceries, shopping, transporting children to school and after school activities, as well as vacations. 

While you might be tempted to blow that extra cash on a new video game or even stash it away in a savings account, you would be doing yourself a huge favor by investing some of that money in car maintenance. 

Best Reasons to Invest in Car Maintenance

While gas prices are currently extremely low, they probably won’t stay that way for much longer. Once people return to a more normal lifestyle, the demand for gas and oil will slowly increase as people use their cars more. 

By spending some of the gas savings now, you can not only improve the fuel economy of your vehicle, but your ride will be ready to go on that road trip or return to commuting. You won’t be plagued with worries about trying to fit your car in for scheduled maintenance after you’ve returned to work or wonder how you will pay for it with rising gas costs. 

You can enjoy gas savings as well, even after the price climbs, by making your vehicle more fuel-efficient. Fuel economy depends on both your driving habits and vehicle maintenance. 

Some of the more important reasons to invest in car maintenance right now include: 

• Improved Engine Performance: When your vehicle is properly tuned, it will not only give you better acceleration, but your car will also save you money in gas. How much can you save? The number varies depending on driving conditions and your driving habits, but most people can see an MPG increase of 4%. 
• Oil Change: When you change the oil in your car, truck, or SUV, you reduce the number of hydrocarbons in the exhaust, which can help you pass that upcoming emissions inspection. Using the correct grade of motor oil can also help to improve fuel economy. 
• Replace the Gas Cap: The gas cap on your car is part of the emissions system. When the gas cap is loose, cracked, or broken, you are not only allowing fuel vapors to escape to the outside air, but this is one of the major reasons your Check Engine light is on! 
• Repair Items as Needed: Whether your vehicle needs an oxygen sensor, a new muffler, or an air filter, repairing items such as these can also improve gas mileage by as much as 40 percent! It isn’t fun to spend money on car repairs, we understand, but think of how much you will save on gas! 
• Inspect the Tires: Keeping the tires properly inflated can save as much as 3 percent on gas mileage, not to mention improving handling and braking. 
• Scheduled Maintenance: By performing scheduled maintenance, such as replacing fuel filters, air filters, and spark plugs, you can also improve gas mileage, as well as make it much easier to pass that emissions test. 

You can check all of the above facts on the government’s website regarding fuel economy here. 

Other Things to Consider

We know that money is tight, and you must decide where to cut corners and pinch those pennies, but car maintenance isn’t one of them. 

When it comes to your vehicle, there is no worse feeling than staring at a huge repair bill. Many repairs can be avoided through regular vehicle maintenance. 

By avoiding or delaying car maintenance, you can turn a small problem into a larger one. 

For example, some people try turning up the radio when they hear a funny squeaking sound coming from the brakes, rather than having the brakes inspected. 

While this avoidance tactic gets some chuckles at first, the problem is that squeak may be telling you that your vehicle simply needs some front brake pads, which can cost as little as $150. 

By waiting (and waiting some more) until the sound becomes an unbearable grinding noise that turns heads on the street, you’ve now turned brake pad replacement into a major brake overhaul, possibly including the replacement of brake calipers, brake rotors, and the brake pads, which can run up to $1,000. 

We are merely focusing on the money here as well, not the obvious danger of riding on bald tires or bad brakes. 

A word to the wise is that you cannot save money by eliminating or delaying car maintenance. 

The Bottom Line

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the over-abundance of car-related items and services. Sometimes, it’s hard for the average car owner to know if they actually NEED a particular service, or if it is merely a recommendation. 

Talk to the pros at Hong Kong Auto Service. We will be happy to answer all your questions regarding maintenance and which items your vehicle really needs. Our trusted technicians know what your car needs and what items can wait a while. 

Whether you want to get your vehicle ready for spring break or if the Check Engine light is on, our trained technicians can have you back on the road in no time. 

We understand that you have a wide variety of repair shops to have your vehicle serviced at, which is why we value you as our customer. Our staff wants to do everything possible to make car maintenance as easy as possible. 

Call us today for an appointment that works with your schedule.