By: Christian Porter, owner, Everest AutoWorks

Christian and Tonya Porter, owners of Everest AutoWorks & AutoSpa, with their four children –
Zachary, Madison, Elijah, and Ezekiel.

Concerns over gas prices are a common headline these days. We all know by now that gas prices are rising to record levels. I’m sure you’ve seen numerous articles and news segments that talk about ways you can increase your gas mileage. The ASE Certified automotive technicians at Everest AutoWorks have put together a unique list of tips that everyone can use to save money away from the pump. This list cannot be found in any other publication. Everest provides these tips directly from the front lines of car care.

• Buy gasoline during coolest time of day. Early morning or late evening is best. During these times gasoline is densest. Keep in mind – gas pumps measure volumes of gasoline, not densities of fuel concentration. You are charged according to “volume of measurement”.
• Use your cruise control to save about 5% during highway drives – Many people have cruise control installed in their vehicle but few people seem to use it or even know how it works. Cruise control allows your vehicle to maintain a constant speed during longdrives. This eliminates the constant slowing down and speeding up that naturally happens while driving using your right foot for speed control. Read your owner’s manual to learn how to use this feature in your vehicle.
• Inflate all tires 10% higher than recommended by the manufacturer. The extra 3-4 pounds of air pressure will reduce your tires rolling resistance which allows each tire to run with less drag on the drivetrain. You should see a slight increase in tire life too. Each tire should be periodically spun, balanced, and checked for internal damage.
• Accelerate slowly when starting from dead stop. Don’t push pedal down more than 1/4 of the total pedal travel.
• Think ahead when approaching hills. Accelerate before you reach the hill, not while you’re on it.
• Regular vehicle inspections ensure best economy. Check your owner’s manual for recommended maintenance intervals. Special attention should be given to maintaining clean air filters… diminished air flow increases fuel use. Inspect suspension and chassis parts for occasional misalignment. Bent wheels, blown axle boots, bad shocks, broken springs, etc. create drivetrain drag and are unsafe at high traveling speeds.
• Avoid overfilling your gas tank. Overfilling can result in sloshing over and out of the gas tank while driving. Never fill gas tank past the first “click release” of the fuel nozzle.
• Exceeding speed limits costs you more than an occasional speeding ticket. Speed limits are set for your traveling safety, however better fuel efficiency also occurs. Traveling at 55 mph can give you up to 10% better fuel mileage when compared to higher speed limits of 65 MPH and up to 20% better fuel mileage than at 75 MPH.
• Traveling at fast rates in low gears can consume up to 45% more fuel than is needed.
• Keep windows closed when traveling at highway speeds. Open windows cause air drag, reducing your fuel mileage.
• Remove excess weight from trunk or inside of car – extra tires, seats, unnecessary heavy parts. Extra weight reduces mile-age, especially when driving up inclines. Another thing to keep in mind is the place you get your gas. Your choice in fuel quality will impact your gas mileage. Good quality fuel also affects fuel system reliability and overall engine operation.

Some engines made today have to meet customer demands for better fuel mileage and more horsepower. Many newer vehicles actually require premium fuel to operate properly. I’ve heard countless customers complain about poor fuel mileage and performance from their newer vehicle. Often times the customer has been filling the tank with standard or mid-grade fuel. If your vehicle requires premium fuel then you must use premium fuel. Otherwise your engine will not work at peak efficiency.

A common question from Everest customers “Is it better for an engine to use premium gas even though the manufacturer doesn’t recommend it.” The simple answer is “NO”. Premium gas makes no difference in an engine that does not require high octane. The best advice we can give you and our customers is to use standard-grade fuel from a brand name gas station.

Everest is Delaware’s only full service auto repair and detail shop that caters to the unique needs of women. For more information about our fresh approach to car care please contact us. Everest AutoWorks & AutoSpa 690 Kirkwood Hwy Newark, DE 19711 (302) 737.8424 www.everestautoworks.com

Did you know?… Visit gasbuddy.com or Gaspricewatch.com to find updated gas prices in your area.