Is your Vehicle consuming more Fuel than it should?

Before you hit the road this holiday season, you probably know to make sure the basics are covered on your vehicle—fluids are at the correct levels, all lights are functioning properly, hoses and belts are free of distress, tires are in good shape—all important components to check before a long trip. But some mechanical issues left unresolved can reduce the fuel efficiency of your vehicle, forcing you to spend more at the pump, which can have a large financial impact both during your trip and over the life of the vehicle. Addressing these potential issues before hitting the open highway this holiday season can help keep your vehicle running at optimal fuel efficiency:

-Are all tires in good shape and inflated to the appropriate pressure? You are likely aware that it is a good idea to check the tires before embarking on a long road trip, but did you know that underinflated tires can cause your fuel efficiency to suffer? Not only can improper inflation be dangerous and cause a tire to wear unevenly, but the increased resistance will negatively affect your vehicle’s fuel economy.

-Is the air filter clean? A clogged air filter can do more than hurt fuel economy, it can harm an engine. Fortunately, air filter replacement is an easy fix that can be accomplished with minimal money and time. According to www.fueleconomy.gov, changing a clogged air filter can affect an improvement in fuel economy of up to 10 percent! With the price of fuel soaring, replacing your air filter as needed can translate to true savings.

-Is the recommended type of motor oil being used in the vehicle? Ensuring that your vehicle is not in need of an oil change prior to a long trip should go without saying. But many motorists are unaware that using the grade of oil recommended for a particular vehicle is vital to optimal fuel economy. According to www.fueleconomy.gov, failing to use the type of motor oil for which an engine is designed, such as using 10W-30 where 5W-30 is recommended, can affect a 1-2% drop in fuel economy.

-Are spark plugs and wires up to par? Spark plugs are responsible for igniting a precise mixture of air and fuel, a process critical to propelling your vehicle. Spark plugs that are not performing optimally can combust inefficiently, wasting fuel in the process. A simple tune up may be just the key to improved fuel efficiency.

Remember, your driving style can also influence the fuel consumption of your vehicle. Rapid acceleration and driving at excessive speeds will reduce the gas mileage you could expect with more patient driving. Maintaining your vehicle and practicing conservative driving habits can help boost fuel economy, prolong the life of your vehicle and lessen the impact of volatile fuel prices on your finances.

About the Author: Greg Chapman, of Greg Chapman Motors, is a leading Austin used car dealer. For more information please visit Greg Chapman Motors.

Register your Texas Vehicle and Avoid Unnecessary Fines

Every Texas driver is required to display a valid registration sticker on his or her vehicle to show that the vehicle is currently registered with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT). Portions of vehicle registration revenues contribute to state highway funds, building and maintaining the state transportation infrastructure and to individual Texas counties to the tune of millions of dollars annually. A failure to obtain or renew your Texas vehicle registration can result in hefty fines if you are caught, and with the convenient ability to renew online, by mail or in person, you likely will not catch any sympathy from an officer who discovers that you are operating a nonregistered vehicle in Texas.

If you are new to Texas and you intend to drive your vehicle in the state, you must register the vehicle within thirty days to comply with Texas law. Also required within the first thirty days is passing a vehicle inspection and obtaining a Texas driver license. By legalizing your vehicle within the designated timeframe, you can prevent being issued multiple citations that will cost you considerably more than a timely registration renewal and inspection would have in the first place.

First and foremost, your vehicle must be insured and you must provide proof of such in order to have it inspected or registered. Before registering a vehicle, new Texas residents must have the vehicle inspected at an approved inspection station, prior to which proof of financial responsibility is required. Upon passing the vehicle inspection, you are issued a certificate indicating so, which you will need to present in order to register the vehicle. Armed with your proof of insurance, inspection certificate and proof of ownership of the vehicle (such as the title), visit your local county tax office to complete the required paperwork and pay the necessary fees to obtain a registration sticker for your vehicle.

Renewing a current Texas vehicle registration is simpler than renewing an expired one. Some Texas counties allow you to renew your registration online, a convenient option for many Texas drivers. However, if you wait until your registration expires, you will be required to renew it in person. If your vehicle was registered in Texas for the previous year, you should receive a renewal notice by mail prior to the expiration of your registration. This notice can be returned by mail along with your payment and proof of insurance, and you will receive the updated sticker by mail. If you do not receive a renewal notice, for instance if you have moved, be sure to contact the renewal office prior to your sticker’s expiration date to update your address and renew your registration on time.

Have trouble registering on time each year? You have the option of prepaying your vehicle’s registration for the next year or two and receiving updated registration stickers automatically when the time comes. Also, some Texas counties allow you to update vehicle registration at offsite locations, such as major grocery stores, which may provide a convenient option depending on your location.

About the Author: Greg Chapman, of Greg Chapman Motors, is a leading Austin used car dealer. For more information please visit Greg Chapman Motors.

Safe Towing Practices

The ability to tow a trailer optimizes the utility of a vehicle, and even many types of cars can double as tow vehicles when needed. Regardless of the size and type of a tow vehicle, towing a trailer introduces new risks and calls for extra cautious driving.

First, it is important to ensure that you are using the appropriate equipment for your vehicle and the trailer you will be towing. Though many cars can tow trailers, all cars cannot, and it is not enough to hitch up the trailer, load your cargo and hit the road. Consulting with the owner’s manual for your vehicle and staying within the Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) specified for your vehicle is critical to safe towing. The GCWR is the maximum allowable combined weight of the vehicle itself, passengers, trailer and cargo, and should never be exceeded. Your vehicle owner’s manual may specify a maximum trailer towing capacity, so be sure to read and follow all recommendations before you load up. Additionally, adhere to weight and speed recommendations provided in the trailer’s owner manual or by the company from which you have rented the trailer.

Once you have verified that all components of the trailer, hitch and vehicle are functioning and secure, and weight is distributed on the trailer according to manufacturer recommendations, you are ready to begin your journey. Driving with a trailer in tow requires exercising more caution when stopping, accelerating, and maneuvering on the roadways. The first rule of safe towing is to take it slowly. With the added weight and length on your vehicle, you will need to allow more space to stop, start and slow down. Accelerating and decelerating at a slow rate will give you optimal control, minimize wear and tear on the tow vehicle and reduce the risk to other drivers on the road. Avoid sudden movements to protect your vehicle and prevent cargo from shifting and affecting the weight distribution of the load.

Towing a trailer on the road demands that you be alert and aware of your surroundings at all times. Check mirrors frequently so that you are aware of vehicles beside and behind you, and to inspect the trailer for problems. Keep the steering wheel gripped with both hands to maintain optimal control because wind, crosswinds from passing vehicles and uneven road surfaces could cause your vehicle to jolt unexpectedly. Additionally, extra space should be allowed when making maneuvers such as turns and lane changes. If you are traveling with a trailer for an extended distance, make frequent stops to perform a safety check on the cargo, hitch and tires of both the tow vehicle and trailer.

Because of the added weight, your vehicle will not react as quickly when it has a trailer in tow. Allow plenty of time to reach your destination when traveling with a trailer to avoid the temptation to speed or skip important safety checks. Adhering to all recommendations for your vehicle and trailer and exercising utmost caution when driving with a trailer in tow will help ensure safe travel for both your passengers and other motorists on the road.

About the Author: Greg Chapman, of Greg Chapman Motors, is a leading provider of used cars in Austin. For more information please visit Greg Chapman Motors.