Are You Ready For The Road?

Between Memorial Day and Labor Day, an average of 13,000 Americans lose their lives on the road, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Many of these tragic incidents are tied to something preventable: neglected vehicle maintenance. Each year, poor maintenance plays a role in over 2,600 deaths, nearly 100,000 disabling injuries, and more than $2 billion in related costs—from lost wages to medical bills and property damage.

The root of many mechanical failures? Skipped maintenance. One of the most common breakdowns on highways—overheating—is typically caused by low coolant levels or aging hoses, issues that are entirely avoidable with regular checks, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Even simple maintenance steps are often overlooked. For example, 21% of vehicles inspected during National Car Care Month had underinflated tires. This seemingly minor issue can lead to blowouts, increasing the risk of serious accidents.

Taking a few minutes for routine upkeep—like checking fluids, inspecting hoses, and monitoring tire pressure—can make all the difference. Regular maintenance not only protects your investment but also keeps you, your passengers, and others on the road safer.

  • Fuel Saving Tips The Car Care Council offers these fuel-saving tips:

  • Vehicle Gas Caps

    Even a seemingly minor issue like a damaged or loose gas cap can have major consequences. Around 17% of vehicles on the road are affected by gas caps that are either damaged, loose, or missing altogether. This small oversight results in the vaporization of approximately 147 million gallons of fuel each year.

    Not only does this waste fuel, but it can also lead to increased vehicle emissions and reduced fuel efficiency. Regularly inspecting your gas cap and ensuring it’s properly sealed can help prevent unnecessary fuel loss, saving you money and reducing your environmental impact. It’s a quick and simple check that can make a big difference!

  • Under Inflated Tires

    Properly inflated tires are essential for optimal fuel efficiency. Driving with underinflated tires creates extra resistance, similar to driving with the parking brake engaged, which can decrease your fuel economy by a mile or two per gallon. By regularly checking and maintaining the correct tire pressure, you not only improve fuel efficiency but also ensure a smoother, safer driving experience. It's a simple maintenance step that makes a significant impact on your wallet and the environment!

  • Worn Spark Plugs

    Your vehicle’s spark plugs—whether there are four, six, or eight—are subjected to immense stress, firing up to 3 million times every 1,000 miles. This intense activity causes heat buildup, as well as electrical and chemical wear. A dirty or worn spark plug can lead to misfires, wasting fuel and reducing engine efficiency. To keep your engine running smoothly and maintain optimal fuel efficiency, it’s crucial to replace spark plugs on time, following the manufacturer’s recommendations. This simple maintenance task can improve performance and save you money on fuel.

  • Dirty Air Filters

    A clogged air filter, filled with dust, dirt, and debris, can restrict airflow, leading to a "rich" fuel mixture where too much gas is burned for the amount of air available. This not only wastes fuel but also causes the engine to lose power. Replacing a clogged air filter can improve fuel efficiency, potentially saving up to 10 percent per gallon. This simple maintenance task not only boosts gas mileage but also enhances your vehicle’s overall performance, providing long-term savings and a smoother driving experience.

  • Don't Drive Aggressively

    Aggressive driving behaviors, like rapid acceleration and hard braking, can have a major impact on fuel efficiency. In fact, driving aggressively can lower gas mileage by as much as 33% on the highway and 5% on city streets. By adopting smoother, more controlled driving habits, you can significantly enhance fuel efficiency and save on fuel costs over time.

  • Avoid Excessive Idling

    Extended idling wastes fuel without providing any mileage. To conserve fuel, limit unnecessary idling and avoid letting your vehicle warm up for more than one to two minutes. Reducing excessive idling can help save fuel and improve overall fuel efficiency.

  • Drive the Speed Limit

    Maintaining a steady speed and obeying speed limits are key to improving fuel efficiency. Gas mileage drops significantly at speeds over 60 mph, with each mile above that costing you an extra 10 cents per gallon in fuel. Using cruise control on highways can help you maintain a consistent speed, further optimizing fuel efficiency.

  • A 10 Minute Pre-Trip Checkup Can Pay Off

    Car Care Council offers three suggestions for a traveler's 10-minute pre-trip checklist:

  • Check All Fluids

    Our preventative maintenance program starts with ensuring your vehicle's fluids are in top condition. Fluids are essential to your car's smooth operation and to prevent overheating. Most fluid change services are done quickly, so you can get back on the road in Visalia, CA.

    Our skilled technicians will monitor and refill key fluids, including engine oil, automatic transmission fluid, brake fluid, anti-freeze, power steering, and wiper fluids. We also inspect your radiator to make sure there are no leaks caused by stones or road debris.

  • Check Hoses and Belts

    Timing belts are crucial components of your vehicle that need regular inspection as part of preventative maintenance. They ensure that all the events in your engine's operation occur in perfect synchronization. If a timing belt becomes damaged or breaks, it can cause the engine’s components to fall out of sync, leading to serious damage.

    At Central Valley Towing & Automotive, we make sure your timing belts are in excellent condition, ensuring all the engine components continue to function at precisely the right moment to maintain the health and longevity of your car.

  • Check The Tires

    Regular tire maintenance is essential for both safety and performance. Begin by checking the tire inflation to ensure it’s at the recommended level. Under-inflated tires can reduce fuel efficiency and cause uneven wear, while over-inflated tires may affect traction and handling. It’s also important to inspect the tread pattern for signs of uneven wear, which could point to alignment issues. Proper wheel alignment ensures even tire wear and helps improve fuel efficiency.

    Additionally, inspect your tires for bulges or bald spots, which can indicate structural damage or excessive wear. Addressing these issues promptly can prevent more serious problems and keep your vehicle running smoothly.

In Summary

A pre-trip inspection not only helps minimize the risk of expensive and potentially hazardous issues on the road, but it also allows you to make necessary repairs at home with a trusted technician who knows your vehicle. This simple step can offer peace of mind, knowing that you've taken the proper precautions to ensure your car's readiness.

While a last-minute checkup is certainly better than skipping it altogether, it's always best to plan ahead, giving yourself ample time to address any required maintenance either on your own or at a local service facility. A well-maintained vehicle is safer, more reliable, and can even help you save on fuel costs, as emphasized by Rich White, Executive Director of the Car Care Council.