Improving Your Fuel Mileage
Whether you’re looking to cut costs, use less fuel, or reduce your environmental impact, most drivers in Tullahoma & Winchester want to maximize their gas mileage. We’ve all heard various fuel-saving tips, but do they really make a difference? How much can simple maintenance and smarter driving improve your fuel efficiency?
Luckily, the U.S. government has studied this, and the numbers speak for themselves. Let’s break down some practical ways to keep more money in your wallet and get the most out of every gallon.
The Importance of Regular Maintenance
A well-tuned engine runs more efficiently, and a simple tune-up can improve gas mileage by 4%. That translates to savings of about 14¢ per gallon when gas is $3.50 or 16¢ per gallon at $4.00.
Certain repairs can make an even bigger impact. A faulty oxygen sensor, for example, can significantly hurt fuel economy because it prevents your engine from maintaining the right fuel-to-air ratio. Replacing a bad oxygen sensor can improve fuel efficiency by up to 40%! That’s a huge difference, making regular check-ups at Russell Barnett Automotive Family a smart investment.
Ignoring a check engine light can also cost you at the pump. Many issues that trigger this warning light directly affect fuel efficiency. If yours is on, let our team in Tullahoma & Winchester diagnose the problem and help you save gas.
Tire Pressure and Oil Choices Matter
Did you know that properly inflated tires can improve your fuel economy by 3%? Even a small drop in pressure can have an impact, so checking your tires weekly is a simple but effective way to save.
Using the right type of motor oil for your vehicle is another easy fix. The correct oil viscosity can boost fuel efficiency by 2%, so always follow your manufacturer’s recommendations.
Your Driving Habits Make a Big Difference
Unlike maintenance, adjusting your driving style doesn’t cost a thing—but it can lead to serious savings.
Aggressive driving—like rapid acceleration, hard braking, and weaving through traffic—wastes fuel. Taking a more controlled, steady approach on the road can save up to 5% in the city and an impressive 33% on the highway.
Speeding is another major factor. Even going just 5 mph over the speed limit can reduce fuel economy by 7%, while driving 15 mph over can cost you 23% more per gallon. Slowing down not only improves safety but also helps stretch your gas budget.
Declutter Your Car for Better Efficiency
Carrying unnecessary weight in your vehicle makes your engine work harder, which reduces fuel efficiency. Removing 100 pounds of extra weight can improve gas mileage by 2%. So, clean out your trunk and avoid using your car as a storage space!
The next time someone asks for a lift, you might jokingly say, “Sure, but you’re costing me extra at the pump!”
Make Smart Changes and Start Saving
By keeping up with regular maintenance, adjusting your driving habits, and reducing excess weight, you can make every gallon of gas last longer. Small changes add up, and the result is a healthier car, a thicker wallet, and a smoother ride.
Why not start today? A few simple steps can lead to big savings on fuel—without any extra hassle.
Did You Know…?
Are Your Tires OK?
How to Make Your Tires Last Longer and Drive Safer
Proper tire care not only extends their lifespan but also enhances safety and vehicle performance. Follow these essential tips to keep your tires in top shape:
1. Maintain the Correct Tire Pressure
- Check tire pressure monthly and before long trips.
- Inflate tires to the recommended PSI, found in the owner’s manual or on the driver’s side doorjamb.
- Underinflated tires wear on the edges, while overinflated ones wear down the center.
2. Rotate Your Tires Regularly
- Rotate your tires every 5,000 to 7,500 miles or as recommended by the manufacturer.
- Regular rotations help distribute wear evenly, increasing their lifespan.
3. Keep Your Wheels Aligned
- Misaligned wheels lead to uneven tread wear and reduced tire life.
- If your car pulls to one side, vibrates, or has uneven tire wear, get an alignment check.
4. Balance Your Tires
- Unbalanced tires can cause vibrations and premature wear.
- Have them balanced when installing new tires or if you notice shaking at certain speeds.
5. Drive with Care
- Avoid sudden acceleration, hard braking, and sharp turns, as these wear out tires faster.
- Be cautious when driving over potholes, rough roads, and curbs to prevent damage.
6. Check Your Suspension System
- Worn-out shocks, struts, or ball joints can cause uneven tire wear.
- Regular suspension inspections help maintain even tread wear and better handling.
7. Inspect Tires for Damage and Wear
- Check for cracks, bulges, cuts, or embedded objects that could lead to tire failure.
- Use the penny test: Insert a penny into the tread with Lincoln’s head down—if the top of his head is visible, it’s time for new tires.
8. Avoid Overloading Your Vehicle
- Excess weight puts unnecessary stress on your tires, causing them to wear out faster.
- Follow your vehicle’s recommended load capacity to ensure tire longevity.
9. Store Tires Properly When Not in Use
- Keep seasonal or spare tires in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and chemicals.
- Store them upright or stacked correctly to prevent warping.
10. Choose the Right Tires for Your Needs
- Select tires based on your driving conditions, such as all-season, winter, or performance tires.
- Higher-quality tires tend to last longer and offer better durability.
By following these simple tips, you’ll extend the life of your tires, improve your vehicle’s safety, and save money in the long run. Drive safely!
A Stitch In Time (Winter Battery Checkup)
You probably have heard that expression, “A stitch in time saves nine.” In other words, if you fix an issue at its early stages, it will prevent a much more difficult problem later. That’s certainly the case with your vehicle, and here’s a true story to demonstrate it.
A driver noticed his vehicle was due for an oil change, so he took it in to his service facility early in the morning so he could wait while the work was performed. The technician routinely checks the battery on vehicles just before extreme weather is approaching (cold or hot), so with winter coming up, he hooked up the load tester (it measures voltage while a load is put on the battery). It showed the battery wasn’t holding a charge well.
The technician checked the manufacturing date on the battery, too (most batteries have a date stamped in code somewhere on them). The date showed it was five years old. While batteries can last more than five years, many technicians say you should expect to get anywhere from three to six years out of them, depending on what they go through.
So, this battery was getting a little long in the tooth, and it wasn’t holding a charge particularly well. But how much current was it being sent by the vehicle’s alternator? If it wasn’t getting enough, that might be a factor. A test of the charging system showed the alternator was putting out the correct amount of power. The technician recommended replacing the battery, and the driver agreed.
That was the stitch in time. Had the technician not checked the battery, that driver likely would have been stranded the next time he tried to start his vehicle on a very cold day. What originally was supposed to be just an oil change led to a technician’s sharp diagnosis and a little preventative maintenance for one fortunate driver. Sometimes timing is everything.
December Employee Spotlight
Annual Christmas Party
Every year the Russell Barnett Automotive Family hosts a Christmas party for all of our employees and their guests. Our employees work so hard throughout the year, and this gives us a chance to show our appreciation for them with great food, gifts, and some really fun games. The party gets a little bigger every year as our wonderful automotive family continues to grow.
While everyone is together, it is a perfect time to recognize our employees’ achievements as they reach goals and milestones in their careers. From welcoming new employees to celebrating someone’s 30th year (or more) with us, or from celebrating a salesperson’s first vehicle sold to celebrating a 5,000th vehicle sold – there are always plenty of achievements to be proud of as our employees advance through various stages of their careers.
Most importantly, our annual Christmas party is a chance for everyone to get together and celebrate the holiday season. It’s easy to stay focused on the work and lose sight of the more important things in life, but Russell always makes sure to give back. If there’s one thing that has always mattered the most to Russell Barnett, it’s taking care of people. This includes his family, employees, customers, friends, and the surrounding communities.
Let’s have another spectacular Christmas season together, and then get ready for another great year with the Russell Barnett Automotive Family!
Did You Know…?
November Employee Spotlight
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