A lot of people were flabbergasted over the past year when gasoline spiked to over $4 a gallon. Even though prices have since declined, experts claim that the good times are short-lived; the price you’ll pay at the pump is going to climb again in the near future. In the spirit of keeping as many dollars in your wallet as possible, we’re going to talk about how maintaining your vehicle can boost its fuel efficiency. In this article, you’ll discover 3 easy things you can do to squeeze as many miles as possible from each gallon of gas.

Get A Tune-Up

Tune-ups involve more than tweaking a few screws and tightening a few hoses. Your mechanic will run a diagnostic test and calibrate your engine and important systems back to factory specifications (or, as close to them as possible). That’s valuable. A lot of drivers don’t realize that there’s an oxygen sensor in their vehicles’ emissions system. If it’s not set right, there will either be too much or too little oxygen present while the engine burns gas. That can slash the fuel efficiency of your engine by over 30%! Get a tune-up and have a technician calibrate it correctly.

Tire Maintenance

Your vehicle’s tires lose air over time. The problem is that if they’re sufficiently inflated, they’ll create too much resistance on the road. That means the engine will have to work a lot harder while you’re driving. Fortunately, there’s a simple solution: buy a digital air pressure gauge and use it. Each time you visit the gas station, check the pressure in your tires (your owner’s manual will describe how much pressure your tires need). The digital gauge will cost less than $20 and checking your tires only takes a couple of minutes. That’s a small investment of time and money to enjoy perpetual savings at the pump.

Change The Air Filter

Most people underestimate the importance of the air filter. They know it gets dirty. And they know it only costs a few bucks to buy a new one. But, like most car parts, they rarely think about the filter unless it causes a major problem (for example, they can’t start their car). In truth, you can increase your vehicle’s fuel efficiency by regularly replacing the air filter.

Here’s why: gas isn’t the only substance needed in your car’s engine. It needs air. If the filter is jammed with dirt and debris, air can’t get through it effectively. You’ll still be able to drive your car, but it will be burning gas much less efficiently. Keep the air flow clear by changing your filter every 10,000 miles.

The Little Things Add Up

Proper vehicle maintenance – getting regular tune-ups, keeping your tires inflated, and changing the air filter – can have a substantial impact on your car’s fuel efficiency. It adds up. Over time, you’ll find that you’re paying less money at the pump because your car can use gas more effectively. As the price per gallon of fuel rises, that extra money stays in your pocket.

The combustion process that takes place in your car’s engine produces a number of emissions. These include carbon monoxide (which can be deadly), hydrocarbons (which pollute the environment), and oxides of nitrogen. Because of the pollution and health risk these compounds pose, the government passed legislation in 1977 limiting their output. The result was that automakers were forced to design emission control systems (ECS) for their vehicles.

Within a few years, car manufacturers had begun to create technology that allowed engines to adjust themselves, according to their emissions output. This included placing an oxygen sensor in the path of the exhaust leaving the engine. The sensor monitored the level of fuel, and delivered that information to the powertrain control module (PCM). The PCM would then adjust the amount of fuel sent to the cylinders.

Today’s vehicles are equipped with systems that are more robust. The PCM – essentially, a computer – monitors data from multiple sensors, and uses it to identify problems, and if possible, correct them. Below, we’ll take a closer look at the main components that comprise your car’s emission control system.

Catalytic Converter

This component marks the biggest breakthrough in the design of emissions systems. The exhaust from your engine flows through the pipes and into the catalytic converter. The part contains a filter media that has been coated with a special material. This material interacts with the emissions contained in the exhaust. Carbon monoxide is turned into water. Hydrocarbons are turned into carbon dioxide. As a result, the output that exits your tailpipe contains very few emissions.

The catalytic converter is designed to last for several years, usually up to 100,000 miles. But it can fail sooner if it is forced to work harder than it should. If the exhaust coming from your engine is especially “dirty,” the converter will need to work harder in order to clean it. This can place excess stress on the component until it eventually dies.

PCV And EGR Valves

Your vehicle’s ECS is designed to funnel some of the gases coming out of your cylinders back into the engine. There, they are burned along with the air-fuel mixture. The positive crankshaft ventilation (PCV) valve controls this process. When your car is idling, the valve allows a small amount of gases into the intake system. When you’re traveling at normal speeds, it allows more in.

The exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve performs a different, though related, function. Its job is to monitor the emissions going into the intake system, and adjusting the level to manage production of oxides of nitrogen. The higher the temperature inside the engine, the more oxides of nitrogen that are produced. However, the more exhaust the EGR valve allows in, the lower the combustion temperature becomes. The exhaust essentially has a dilutive effect on the air-fuel mixture.

Canister For Gasoline Vapors

Fuel evaporates even when it is sitting idle in the gas tank. The problem is, this evaporation allows vapors to escape into the atmosphere. In the 1970s, the government required automakers to install a control mechanism in the gas tank to catch these vapors before they could escape. This mechanism is a charcoal canister. Vapors are confined within, and released when you start your car. At that point, they are pulled into the engine, and burned with the air-fuel mixture.

When Trouble Codes Are Triggered

When problems develop in the emission control system, your powertrain control module will set a fault code. This code will be stored in the computer’s memory. The check engine light on your dashboard will alert you regarding the issue. Even though you can continue driving with a faulty ECS, you should have problems addressed as soon as the light goes on. Otherwise, your vehicle will allow excess emissions into the environment, and potentially place you and your passengers at risk.

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The key to your vehicle’s longevity is applying basic maintenance on a regular schedule. That includes checking the fluids, cleaning the battery, and taking a close look at your tire treads. Properly maintaining your car is not only simple, but quick. Fifteen minutes each week is sufficient for making sure important parts and systems, such as your engine and transmission, are in good condition. And that pays long-term dividends in performance, fuel efficiency, and less-frequent repair bills.

Unfortunately, most drivers neglect the basics. And of those who address automotive maintenance, many approach it haphazardly. For example, they watch for the indicators on their dashboard to flicker on, or wait until their tires are so bald, they’re hydroplaning on the road. Below, I’ll give you a 5-minute crash course on maintaining your vehicle so it will keep you on the road as long as possible.

Maintaining The Exterior

Consider your vehicle’s exterior a priority. Over time, the environment can break the paint down, allowing air and moisture to creep in and cause oxidation. If left unattended, rust will spread. Washing, waxing, and when necessary, applying touch-up paint, not only improves your car’s appearance, but it also prevents rust from settling in. Also, your car’s exterior will likely sustain small chips, scratches, and dents due to road debris or unmindful passersby. These, too, can set the stage for oxidation, and thus rust.

While you don’t need to wash and wax your car every week, doing so periodically will help protect the exterior.

Check The Fluids

Your car depends heavily on a number of fluids to ensure major assemblies under the hood operate efficiently. It’s important to check the levels of these fluids regularly, and replenish them when they decline. For example, your engine depends on motor oil for constant lubrication of its moving parts. If the level declines too far, these parts will create friction and heat, and cause your engine to seize.

Your engine also relies upon coolant to transfer heat away from the assembly. If the coolant level is low, your engine will overheat, causing damage that will be expensive to repair.

You’ll also need to check your transmission fluid. Your transmission needs an ample supply of fluid in the same way your engine requires oil. Starving the assembly of this fluid will cause damage. Expensive damage.

Clean The Battery

You’ll notice corrosion accumulating on your battery’s posts. This corrosion affects the connection between the posts and the connector cables. It can become so problematic that the connection is unable to conduct the battery’s voltage. For this reason, take the time to unhook the cables and clean off the corrosion. You can buy a simple wire battery post and terminal cleaner at most auto supply shops for less than $5. Cleaning the posts and terminals only takes a few minutes.

Check Your Tires

As you know, your treads wear down with use. They also allow a tiny bit of air to escape over time. Hence, you’ll need to check the tread depth and pressure on a regular basis (usually, every two or three weeks is sufficient). You can purchase a digital tread depth gauge for less than $20, and a digital tire pressure gauge for another $10. Both are worth the investment, and you’ll use them (hopefully) for the life of your vehicle.

Keeping your car’s exterior in good condition, checking the fluids, cleaning the battery, and inspecting the tires are all critical maintenance items. If you do these four things on a regular basis, your vehicle will last much longer than otherwise. Given the cost of repairing your engine and transmission, the time spent maintaining them is one of the best investments you can make in your car.

With the economy on a down slope, most of us want to save money any way we can. Rather than spending a lot of money on expensive cleaning supplies, try some of the following inexpensive home remedies, using regular household products, to help alleviate the high cost of maintenance and car repair.

1. Vinegar-This common product has many uses. If used full strength, it will remove rust from car parts and tools. Just soak the car part or tool in undiluted vinegar overnight. If you mix three parts vinegar and one part water and wipe down your car’s windows the night before a frost, they will remain frost free. Placing a small bowl of distilled white vinegar on a vehicle’s floorboard will remove most unwanted odors.
2. Baking Soda-Make a paste of baking soda and water. This can be used to eliminate corrosion on batteries. It can also clean any chrome on your vehicle. A box can also be used to distinguish a small fire.
3. Petroleum Jelly-Rub your hands with a small amount of petroleum jelly before performing maintenance or car repairs. After working on the vehicle it will be much easier to clean your hands because it can keep grease and dirt from embedding into your skin. Place petroleum jelly on your car key to loosen up tumblers or unfreeze a lock. Once the key is in the keyhole, jiggle a few times.
4. Duct Tape-Whether you want to admit it or not, you know that you have some duct tape somewhere in the house. You can easily use duct tape around a leaky or broken hose. Now remember this is a quick fix-you will definitely need to get to your mechanic because this probably falls into the car repair category. But-let the car cool down before you start working under the hood. You aren’t going anywhere for awhile anyway-so just relax and let it cool off.
5. Dryer Sheets-If you work on vehicles as an ongoing process, place a dryer sheet in each car and it will keep rodents from getting into the vehicles. Dryer sheets will also repel mosquitoes. They will also keep the air in a vehicle fresher. If your vehicle gets splattered with tar, hose it down, and then gently rub tar with dryer sheets-it should remove the tar immediately. They can also be used to remove bugs from a windshield or headlight.
6. Olive Oil-Not just for cooking anymore. Olive oil will cure a squeaky hinge on a car door or hood. It can also remove paint from skin. Rub the affected area with olive oil and let it soak in for a minute. Now wash with soap and water and the paint should come right off.

Auto parts and car repair can take a big enough bite out of your wallet. By using these simple household products for maintenance and some minor car repair, you will save money buying unnecessary items.

You open the hood of your car only to see that what once looked like a car battery is now covered with black and green corrosion. Your first thought may be that you will need a new battery. Well, don’t jump to conclusions. Go to the refrigerator. Find an ordinary can of soda-preferably of the dark variety. Pour it over the battery and voila´….corrosion gone. Now pour some water over that to clean it up and get rid of the stickiness.

When it comes to minor car repair and maintenance, some people don’t realize that the answer to their problem(s) might be very close at hand. Many household items can be used to fix minor maintenance or car repair issues.

A few items that are handy to have on hand are….

1. Soda (as stated earlier-dark). You may want to think twice about drinking it, but it does eat corrosion. It will also remove the haze that collects on windows.
2. Water-as simple as that may seem-water has many uses-like cleaning a battery or replenishing your windshield wiper fluid (if you are in at least 40° weather) until you can get to the store. And you could go ahead and wash the car-since you already have the hose on.
3. A Penny-Yes, Mr. Lincoln will also take care of battery corrosion. If you will place a new penny on your battery, the next time that you open your hood you will see that the penny has attracted all of the corrosion. Take a towel and remove it so as not to get that corrosion all over yourself. Then replace it with a new penny. You may want to clean up the old penny before trying to spend it.
4. Cooking Spray-any oil-based cooking spray can grease almost anything. Having trouble getting your key to turn? Head for the cooking spray. Just spray a little right into the key hole and it should loosen up the mechanism for easier turning. It will also remove residue and old adhesive from glass and help loosen tight bolts.
5. Clear Nail Polish-Yes gentlemen, it’s not just for ladies fingertips anymore. You would be surprised at what nail polish is capable of doing. Besides stopping a rip in panty hose, it can be used to seal small rust spots. Just a small dab (you might want to use two coats) will stop rust from spreading. But don’t use nail polish remover to get it off-it will wear off through time, so be sure to either reapply or repair the small damage.
6. Baby Wipes-They are stronger than the name implies. They may be used to clean up almost anything-your hands (after dealing with the aforementioned minor car repairs), spills, and even oil, dirt and grease that you accidentally got on the hood while closing it.

It needs to be understood that these common household products are only for minor car repairs or maintenance. You might have larger issues that need to be taken care of, but these will buy you some time until you can solve the larger problem.

Most people attribute skidding to reckless driving. They imagine young drivers swinging around sharp corners or traveling at unsafe speeds. While these factors can play a role, there are other contributing influences that place millions of motorists at risk.

In this article, I’ll explain the most common reasons vehicles skid. They include road conditions, the health of your tires, and a few additional factors that may surprise you. I’ll also provide a few tips for maintaining control of your car, providing better safety for you and your passengers.

Where The Rubber Meets The Road

The likelihood of skidding is a direct result of the friction between the road and your tires. The surface on which you’re driving influences the amount of friction that exists. For example, a given street may offer more coarseness and thereby, more friction than other streets. On the other hand, smooth concrete will offer far less friction.

Aside from the road’s surface, weather conditions can also influence the amount of friction. For instance, a road that is normally coarse will offer less friction if it is covered in water. It will offer even less if it is covered in snow or ice. Less friction translates into a higher likelihood of a skid.

Your Tires

It won’t surprise you that the treads on your tires influence their grip on the roadway. Heavier treads will always provide more friction than worn treads. This is the reason safety experts recommend buying new tires when your treads wear down.

The pressure within your tires and their temperature can also influence their ability to grip the road. Both underinflation and overinflation tend to reduce the amount of available friction. Moreover, if your tires are too hot, they will soften. If this occurs, they will be less able to maintain their grip.

Other Contributing Factors

The speed and trajectory of your car both play roles in your ability to prevent skidding. In effect, a quicker pace in a direction that is inconsistent with the roadway makes a skid more likely.

Related to your vehicle’s trajectory, the manner in which you steer during a skid will either alleviate or exacerbate the situation. A lot of inexperienced motorists will turn their steering wheels too far in order to compensate, making the skid worse.

Tips For Maintaining Control

If you’re caught in a skid, the most important thing you can do is to focus on where you want to go. Ignore objects you suspect you’ll hit (i.e trees, curbs, other vehicles, etc.). Instead, look toward the space at which you would like to end up. Doing so will help you make the counterintuitive move that most drivers neglect: to steer in the direction you’re skidding.

You should also apply acceleration during the skid. This too, will seem counterintuitive, but it helps your tires regain their grip on the roadway. You’ll then notice a small pause as your vehicle regains its balance. Continue to point your tires in the direction of the space at which you would like to arrive.

The takeaway is that skidding is a direct result of a loss of friction between your tires and the road. If your treads are worn, replace them. If you find yourself in a skid, follow the instructions above to right your vehicle and remain safe.

Whether you and your family are getting away for the weekend or planning an extensive vacation, a long road trip requires careful preparation. Cars are built to be more reliable today than ever. But, even with proper maintenance, parts can still fail. Fortunately, by planning ahead and taking the right steps, you can reduce your chances of breaking down. You can even fix minor problems yourself after you’ve pulled your car to the side of the road. Here are 3 important things you should do to get your vehicle ready for the road trip.

Two Weeks Before You Leave

Take your car to a trained auto mechanic at least two weeks before leaving for your vacation. A lot of drivers wait until the last day before visiting the repair shop. That’s a bad idea. If your vehicle needs repairs or replacement parts, your mechanic might need more than one afternoon to do the work. Plus, auto repairs aren’t infallible; things can go wrong. When they do, it’s usually within the first 150 miles. Giving yourself a couple of weeks to “test drive” the repairs allows plenty of time to have them fixed if problems occur.

Prepare Your Roadside Emergency Kit

Even with the best preparations, you can find yourself stranded by the side of the road. For example, you might get a flat tire, your battery may unexpectedly fail, or you might be involved in a traffic collision. Pack a flashlight, bottled water, hazard flares, and jumper cables. You should also have a spare cell phone battery, a small pad of paper and extra pens. That way, if you are involved in a traffic accident, you can take notes and write down the other driver’s information.

A Few “Quick Fix” Essentials

Any long car trip requires carrying a few extra auto supplies. Your vehicle should already have a spare tire and a small jack in the trunk. You should also pack a few bottles of motor oil and transmission fluid. Plus, in addition to the items in your roadside emergency kit, pack a can of tire sealant, a few roles of electrical tape, and basic tools, such as a screwdriver and pliers.

One last note about the small jack in your vehicle’s trunk. Test it before leaving your house. Often, they’re designed for portability rather than strength. For larger vehicles, the jack may not be sufficient; in some cases, using it may even be dangerous.

Preparing for that long road trip can be time consuming task. Being prepared and covering all your bases and keeping up with the car maintenance will give you piece of mind for the journey ahead.

Taking your car on a long road trip should be worry-free. But, you need to plan ahead in order to avoid problems. Visit your mechanic a couple of weeks before leaving, replenish your roadside emergency kit, and pack a few extra auto supplies. If something goes wrong while you’re on the road, you’ll be better prepared to resolve the issue.

In today’s cars, the introduction of the oxygen sensor has paved the way for a host of technological advancements, such as emission control and electronic fuel injection. By feeding data directly to the electronic control unit, the car is able to make numerous adjustments to maximize fuel efficiency and minimize pollution. In today’s article, I’ll quickly describe the operation of your vehicle’s oxygen sensor.

Basics Of Operation

This part consists of a ceramic cylinder plated with platinum electrodes, contained in metal gauze. It works by measuring the oxygen difference between the external atmosphere and exhaust fumes depending on resistance or voltage changes. Due to the fact that the sensor is most effective at 1,500 °F, newer models contain heating elements within the ceramic.

The most common type is known as a zirconia sensor. Constructed from a zirconium dioxide ceramic, dual electrodes produce a specific voltage corresponding to the difference between atmospheric oxygen content and exhaust. If the voltage is approximately 0.2V, then the engine is burning a lean mixture, where there is an excess. If the voltage is at 0.8V, then the engine is burning a rich mixture, where fuel is left unburned. Ideally, the voltage should be at 0.45V, signaling that the fuel-to-air ratio is correct.

Besides ceramic units, other technologies are employed, such as electrochemical, ultrasonic, infrared, and laser. Each has their own unique set of pros and cons, such as accuracy, price, and operating range.

The Role Of Fuel Mixtures

This particular part is able to improve car performance by monitoring oxygen content in real-time, feeding data to the electronic control unit and subsequently adjusting fuel injection to compensate.

In an internal combustion engine, gasoline is burned in the presence of oxygen. In order to maximize efficiency and provide the maximum amount of power, the engine needs to achieve the correct air-fuel ratio, known as the stoichiometric point. The stoichiometric point varies depending on the substance being burned, but it is the point at which the amounts of oxygen and fuel are in perfect balance. In gasoline, this is defined as 14.7:1. If the ratio is higher, then a rich burn results, while a lower ratio results in a lean burn (as I described above).

Besides being able to detect oxygen content, the part is also able to adjust in light of a wide range of variables, including altitude, barometric pressure, and engine load. In the event of a sensor failure, the engine will keep running, but suffer a fuel efficiency drop and overall performance decrease.

I realize that a lot of what I’ve explained above is more than most drivers will ever need (or want) to know. But, regular readers will know that I have a long-held passion for cars and all of the parts and systems that contribute toward its operation. As I’ve said in the past, they more you know about how your vehicle works, the better prepared you’ll be when it’s time to visit the repair shop.