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
I took my 1968 Cadillac Deville to Franklin auto for repairs and I was serviced by the general manager Josh. Josh took good care of me and my car. It's good to know we have a good and trustworthy auto service mechanic in the neighborhood. Josh keep me posted on everything being done.
Collette Williams, 03/27/2021
I would recommend Franklin Auto Service to everyone! They run their business/service on integrity, honesty, great customer service, great car service, and their prices are fair! Give them a try, you will not be disappointed.
Daniel Spencer, 03/24/2021
I’ve never been to an auto shop before but I am very happy I chose to go to this one. My car got towed there around 4pm and Josh at the front counter was super respectful and nice and explained everything very well. It was fixed and ready to drive home in less than 24 hours! I’m very pleased with this mechanic and will definitely be back.
Kira Binkowski, 03/05/2021
Great little shop! I had an alignment done on my 335xi. They were quick and responsive to my questions.
Vikram Krishnan, 02/25/2021
Despite the circumstances I was able to find this shop out of luck when my car messed up. From the beginning Josh was helpful and explained to me everything that was wrong and what needed to be done. Not a lot of people are that clear and honest with you. I’m very happy to have found this gem and if my car is ever in any unfortunate situation again I know where to go! Thank you guys so much
Boushra Alshahari, 01/28/2021
This is a nice gem of a shop, right in the heart of downtown Franklin, conveniently located for those in Bloomfield Township and the surrounding area. I was looking for a trustworthy independent mechanic and came here to have a repair done. It was all taken care of at a reasonable price. Then a few months later an issue arose that took me back into the shop. After discussing the issue with Josh, Pam, and Darryl we figured out the issue and they totally took care of the situation. They went above and beyond what others might have done, and were friendly and professional throughout. Great to know there are still folks out there who stand behind their operations and take care of their customers.
John Papadopulos, 01/23/2021
