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
This is a small family owned garage and I told the mechanic who I also believe is the owner what I desired to have done on the vehicle and within a few minutes he called me back with a very detailed estimate on costs and even contacted my husband and myself to explain a newer, much more gentler procedure for a transmission flush instead of drain and fill being that we were concerned with the mileage a transmission drain and fill would be less likely to mess up the transmission down the line provided the flush the way it had been done in the past could almost be guaranteed to cause expensive transmission work down the line. Our car runs so much better now. Thank you Franklin Auto Service.
Excellent courteous prompt service.
Friendly service. Brought in an old car for inspection. Darrell took the time to explain what was wrong and what I should fix in order to feel safe driving it. They even managed to save the calipers on the brakes, which saved me some money! Thank you!
Joanna Strzalkowski, 11/20/2021
Darrel and his team did a great job on my car. Very professional, expert knowledge, top quality, all with the added benefit of small town personal service.
Franklin Auto got my vehicle in right away and had an axle replacement, battery, and other items done in same day. Great communication and great service. Highly recommend!
Friendly service. Josh took time to explain car issues with me. Definitely would recommend them!
