Jay McGrew, owner of Superior Auto Service, recently joked that Fremonsters don’t need cars, after all we have everything we need within walking distance here at the Center of the Universe, including access to the Burke-Gilman bike trail and Metro bus service.
“Of course,” said one of Fremont’s few mechanics – only slightly more serious, “I want everyone to have a car, but if I lived in Fremont – smaller is better.”
McGrew argued for a small car being easier to park. When he got completely serious, about increasing mileage and lowering the pinch at the gas pump, he gave advice that applies to vehicles of all makes, models and ages.
1. Regular Maintenance
It’s boring. It’s obvious. It’s still the best way to lower mileage. “Definitely, regular service has an impact,” McGrew stated. Get a regular oil change, he recommended, and make sure the car has the right weight oil. “The cheapest thing you can do is a regular oil change,” he insisted, and “if you do it yourself, make sure you check the tire pressure.”
“New modern tires are focusing on lowering the resistance,” to increase mileage, McGrew observed, particularly factory tires on hybrid cars. Yet, these high-tech tires must maintain a proper pressure to recoup the mileage savings. “Every tire manufacturer is offering a tire that is more energy conservative,” he pointed out, although they also require proper care, cost more and won’t work well in as many driving situations.
“Air filters can make a difference,” on mileage, McGrew said, as well as spark plugs and the check engine light. “You never know what it is on for,” he explained, “the check engine light means [the diagnostic system] can’t see what is going on in the engine,” he said, “and it can be polluting, or have other problems, that can lower efficiency.”
As for when to replace the oil, McGrew admitted, “I’m a 3 months or 3,000 miles guy. That’s kind of the old-fashioned standard. The advantage of getting in every 3 months,” he advised, “You are having someone check all the fluids and the tires.” Ultimately, the most effective way to increase mileage, McGrew observed, “Keep the car in good maintenance.”
2. Slow Down! And Leave Other Bad Habits At The Curb
Quick accelerations cost fuel. Aggressive driving and speeding, according to McGrew, “can cost mileage. You can probably save yourself 10%,” explained McGrew, when you are patient, “not in a hurry, not pushing on the gas to increase your speed,” he observed, “not flooring it between lights, as you travel through Fremont.”
Coasting and, “using the momentum you already have,” can be done, with care in certain situations, McGrew advised, “rather than accelerating all the way to a red light.” As to revving the engine, McGrew stated simply, “I don’t know why they do it.” As for those thinking to increase mileage with a fancy trick – drafting – McGrew described it as potentially more dangerous than any savings it could create.
In modern cars, and Seattle’s mild weather, McGrew sees little reason to let an engine warm up for a long time before setting off, but he also observed, “it’s probably not a good idea to get in and floor it, just like you wouldn’t jump out of bed and hit the calisthenics.” Once out on the road, however, “your car is meant to start and stop, and there is nothing wrong with turning off the car,” while sitting, waiting for the Fremont Bridge, or other famously long traffic lights.
3. Clean Out the Car
“Driving around with excess junk definitely plays a role,” McGrew said, “the more weight you put in ‘em, the more energy it takes to propel [the car] forward. An extra 100 pounds can increase fuel consumption by 1 – 2%.” So, only load in the bowling ball on bowing night.
Additionally, a clean car can potentially provide a psychologically boost. “Like when you put on some weight, you tend to give up,” McGrew observed, “if you keep your car clean, and clutter-free, you will tend to care for the car, and get it maintained.” Regular cleaning – and maintenance – can keep a car running longer, and avoid premature replacement.
Buy New?
For those determined to buy a new, or new-to-you, vehicle, McGrew refused to recommend a particular make or model. “It depends on what you need,” he said. He strongly recommends research, including referencing Consumer Reports magazine. “I have a shop subscription,” he said, “and I’ll look up anything for anyone.”
Customers have come into Superior Auto with a new car that has problems predicted by the rating, and/or complaints about maintenance costs they’ve encountered – also foretold by Consumer Reports.
McGrew also recommended that contain more, and detailed, information. The Department of Energy offers mileage tips, as does Wikihow. He also suggested sites with information on fuel efficient tires – from a Discovery company and Car Talk.
McGrew – an ASE Master Certified mechanic – admitted, “I just have a big curiosity,” he said, “you really have to want to know what is going on as a mechanic.” While the rest of us may not share his hunger for information, it might be a good idea – if only for the sake of our wallets – to keep these tips in mind.
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©2011 Kirby Lindsay. This column is protected by intellectual property laws, including U.S. copyright laws. Reproduction, adaptation or distribution without permission is prohibited.