FRANKLIN AUTO SERVICE > REPAIR TIPS > COST SAVING TIPS
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.
What People Say About Us
Good Service station. Knowledgeable personnel. Convenient, reasonably priced, and accommodating. Would definitely use them again.
Polite and did a great job
Steve Ruszkowski, 11/23/2020
Great work, done within a few days. Thank you!
I called Franklin Auto as a Hail Mary after being told from another shop they wouldn't take a look at my Saab due to the mileage. They wouldn't even open the hood to see if they could help. As soon as I explained the situation to Darrell he told me I could come in, same day without an appointment even though they were busy because he understood the situation I was going through. From start to finish he was so kind and worked hard to find the parts needed to repair my vehicle. I will recommend Franklin Auto to everyone I can due to the service, quality and compassion that I received.
The workers are very committed to doing the best for the customer, I got my car fixed the same day.
Lissette Gutierrez, 09/19/2020
It was a pleasure doing business here these guys were true professionals caring and quick and a pleasure to talk to.
Derrick Hicks, 09/16/2020