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CAR CARE TIPS
Be sure to stop in and see AZIZ Auto Repair for a free and thorough inspection to help keep you on the road safely. |
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TIRE ROTATION & REPLACEMENT |
Not only can proper tire rotation help your car drive better, it can save you money. |
Did you know . . .According to recent study by the National Transportation and Safety Administration, (www.nhtsa.dot.gov))more than 25% of all passenger cars and more than 33% of all light trucks have under inflated tires. What does this mean to you? |
- Lower gas mileage - lower tire pressure means lower gas mileage. For each pound of under inflation, your gas mileage can drop up to 1%!
- Tire Failure - under inflation is the leading cause of tire failure.
- Faster Tread wear - lower tire pressure also causes the tread to wear out faster and forces premature replacement.
- Poorer handling - the point where the tire meets the road is a crucial element in determining the ride control of your vehicle. Under inflation prevents your ride control system from functioning properly.
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Most experts agree that you should rotate your tires every 6,000 miles. High performance tires should be rotated more often—every 3,000-5,000 miles. |
Tire rotation is a good way to head off more serious problems as well. Our trained technicians offer a free inspection of your tires with every rotation. We check your tires for any abnormal signs of wear, lack of proper inflation and road damage. If you do need new tires, we carry name brand touring tires, performance tires and more. Of course, we will show you exactly what and where the tire damage is before making any decisions about replacement. |
Proper balance is also important to extend the life of your tires. If we notice your wheels are out of balance, our trained technicians can perform wheel balancing as well. |
When it comes to anything to do with tires, from tire rotation to tire replacement, AZIZ Auto Service is the perfect place to come for this important service. We’re experts at all makes and models of vehicles: foreign, domestic, SUV and light trucks. |
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GAS SAVING TIPS |
With the trend in rising prices at the pump, people are searching for solutions to becoming more gas efficient. What some people just don’t seem to realize is that there are more things that can be done in terms of saving pennies at the pump than just shopping around for the best price. In an attempt to recognize some of these money saving alternatives, it is also important to note that these alternatives should be used in conjunction with each other to maximize total fuel efficiency. Here are just a few ways to take full advantage at the pump. |
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Proper vehicle preventive maintenance – Keeping your vehicle tuned-up will greatly affect the vehicle’s gas efficiency. Proper maintenance on other vehicle parts such as the air filter will also help burn less gas. A dirty air filter results in the engine not getting enough of the air supply needed to run efficiently. |
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Properly inflated tires – Having your tires properly inflated is one of the cheapest ways to manage your gas fuel efficiency. Some studies show that one out of every four drivers is driving with one or more tires under-inflated. According to automobile manufacturer’s recommendations, a tire under-inflated every 4 to 5 psi, (pounds per square inch), can increase your vehicle’s fuel consumption by over 10 percent. As a result, the tire tread life will also diminish. |
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Reduce your idling time – When your vehicle is idling, it is wasting gas. In times of long idling, it is best to simply shut off your engine. Starting your engine requires about the same amount of energy as having your vehicle idle for half a minute. |
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Purchase gasoline in the morning – According to automotive experts from Kelly Blue Book, drivers can help save their vehicle’s fuel economy by purchasing gasoline in the morning. When consumers purchase gasoline, they are charged by the amount or volume of fuel they put in their vehicles, not by the density of gasoline itself. As a result, it is recommend that consumers purchase gasoline at times when the temperature outside is the coolest and gasoline is at its densest. |
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What Items Should Be In Your Trunk Or Glove Box? |
While all of us may need roadside assistance at one time or another, a little advanced planning can help minimize the aggravation. Below is a checklist of items that you should carry in your glove box or trunk for emergencies. |
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Glove Box:
- Owner's manual
- Insurance card
- Vehicle Registration
- AAA (or other roadside assistance provider) phone number and account number
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General Items for the trunk:
- Spare tire - Don't forget to make sure it is properly inflated the next time you stop for gas!
- Tire jack and tire iron
- Tire Pressure Gauge
- Battery Operated Air Pump
- Flat Board
- Cat Litter
- Blankets
- Bottled water
- Jumper cables
- Flashlight and spare Batteries
- First Aid Kit
- Fire Extinguisher
- Basic Tool Kit
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Top 10 Ways To Get The Most From Your Car! |
At AZIZ Auto Service we'll make sure your vehicle is in top driving condition to keep you safe as you and your family travel for vacation. Be sure to stop in for a free inspection and see your ASE certified AZIZ Auto Service Mechanic to help get your vehicle ready for any season. |
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Make every driving dollar count with these safety and saving suggestions:
(1) Work the Web or become more Web-savvy. A wealth of research about vehicle ownership and enjoyment can be found online.
(2) Preventive car care can help protect both your safety and the investment made in your vehicle.
(3) Develop a relationship with your automotive technician. This is extremely important.
(4) Locate the recommended tire pressures either in your owner’s manual.
(5) Use a tire pressure gauge at least once a month to check pressure when your tires are cool.
(6) Make sure your tires have adequate tread depth; it’s critical for optimal traction and maneuverability.
(7) When replacing tires, it’s best to replace all four at once. If you only replace two at a time, make sure to put the new tires on the rear of the vehicle.
(8) Find and use the correct maintenance schedule for your vehicle. This can be found in the owners manual or, now, most electronic management systems at your local repair facility can provide this information for you.
(9) Monitor and change your engine’s oil and oil filter at the manufacturer's specified intervals, and be sure to follow the more frequent "severe service" recommendations if you’re driving habits meet any of the conditions described in the owner’s manual.
(10) Always use motor oils that meet the service classification and viscosity grade requirements established by your vehicle’s manufacturer. |
| Source: AAA, February, 2007 |
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AVOID VEHICLE BREAKDOWNS |
Your car probably receives less attention than it should. Regular maintenance checks and simple service can greatly reduce the cost of car ownership and help avoid breakdowns. |
Most of the car maintenance tips, checks and services described here can be done at little or no cost. Best of all, they are quick and easy to do and they can save time, money and inconvenience down the road. Always refer to your owner's manual when performing any maintenance task on your vehicle. |
- Check the antifreeze/coolant level weekly. Some cars have transparent reservoirs with level markings. Fill to level marking with 50/50 solution of antifreeze and water. Caution: Do not remove the pressure cap when engine is hot.
- Inspect belts and hoses monthly. Replace worn, glazed or frayed belts. Tighten them when more than 1/2" of slack can be depressed between the pulleys. Vehicles with spring loaded belt tensioners require no adjustment. Replace bulging, rotten, or brittle hoses and tighten clamps. If a hose looks bad, or feels too soft or too hard, it should be replaced.
- Check transmission fluid monthly with engine warm and running, and parking brake on. Shift to drive, then to park. Remove dipstick, wipe dry, insert it and remove it again. Add the approved type fluid, if needed. Do not overfill!
- Check oil every other fill up. Remove the dipstick, wipe it clean. Insert it fully and remove it again. If it is low, add oil. To maintain peak performance, change oil every 3,000 miles or 3 months, whichever comes first. Replace oil filter with every oil change.
- Check the air filter every other month. Replace it when it's dirty or as part of a tune-up. It is easy to reach, right under the big metal "lid" in a carbureted engine; or in a rectangular box at the forward end of the air duct hose assembly.
- Check brake fluid monthly. First, wipe dirt from the brake master cylinder reservoir lid. Pry off the retainer clip and remove the lid or unscrew plastic lid, depending on which type your vehicle has. If you need fluid, add the approved type and check for possible leaks throughout the system. Fill to mark on reservoir. Caution: Do not overfill.
- Keep windshield washer fluid reservoir full. When topping off, use some windshield washer fluid on a rag to clean off the wiper blades. In winter months, pay attention to the freezing point of the washer fluid.
- Use extreme caution when handling a battery since it can produce explosive gases. Do not smoke, create a spark or light a match near a battery and always wear protective glasses and gloves. Have it checked with every oil change. Cables should be attached securely and be free of corrosion. If battery has filler holes, add only clear, odorless drinking water.
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Check power steering fluid level once per month. Simply remove the reservoir dipstick. If the level is down, add fluid and inspect the pump and hoses for leaks. |
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(Vehicle Assessment) |
AZIZ Auto Center will service all of your automotive needs. Complete the form below and we will provide a free Assessment. Immediate service is available. Please ask about vehicle pickup, and loaner program. |
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An ASE Certified Technician will phone you to discuss your vehicle in detail. Complete the form below. |
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