How to Save Gas and Save Money With a Few Simple Checks

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.

On a monthly basis if you check a few simple things you can prevent gas robbing problems. In addition, as an added benefit, you might be preventing future costly repair bills.

More importantly, by performing this monthly check, you will keep your car is as safe as it can be. You can identify and correct problems that if left alone could lead to critical car failures that could end up causing accidents and injury.

Most maintenance should be left to the professionals. However, once a month you should perform the following checks to help identify and head off problems that can cost you fuel and money down the road:

1. Check the pressure and look for signs of wear in your tires. Check for any objects that may have become embedded in the tire causing air leaks.

2. Check for fluid leaks. Look around the car and especially under the car around the engine. If you see fluid then you should attempt to identify it. One way is by its color. Coolant is a bright yellowish green color, Transmission fluid is usually pink, Oil is black and brake fluids and power steering fluids are generally clear, with a slight tinge of brown . These fluids are all oily to the touch.

3. Check fluid levels, including engine oil, engine coolant level, transmission fluid and power steering fluid, according to the instructions in the owner's manual.

4. Check under the hood for cracked or split spark plug wires, cracked radiator hoses or loose clamps and corrosion around the battery terminals.

5. Check for problems with the brakes. To do this, on a flat straight, stretch of road that is traffic-free, put your hands ever so lightly on the steering wheel and engage the brakes gradually. If the car swerves to the right or the left, one of the brakes may be more worn than the other. It could also indicate that the brakes 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 just a few basic checks you can perform on your car monthly. By doing this you will keep your car running at its peak performance. If your car is running at its best, it will save you gas, money and will keep you safe!

By: Scott Siegel
Credit:www.superfeature.com