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Top 10 Fuel Saving Tips

Top 10 Car Care Tips

TIP 01

#1: Quench your vehicle's thirst.

Your automobile uses a lot of different fluids, from motor oil and brake fluid, to power steering fluid, transmission fluid, coolant/antifreeze and windshield washer fluid. Whenever you're 'leaving a Grant' at the gas station, take a minute to check your motor oil and washer fluid to make sure they're topped off. Then, follow your vehicle's regular schedule for inspection and replacement of all other key fluids to keep everything flowing smoothly.

TIP 02

#2: The rubber that meets the road.

Keep your tires properly inflated, but don't necessarily follow the psi instructions of the tires themselves. Most newer vehicles post the recommended tire pressure (based on the vehicle and typical cargo weight) on the inside of the driver's door. While you're at it, check your tires for uneven wear and any damage, then schedule a tire rotation at least every 5,000 miles to make sure your tires wear evenly.

TIP 03

#3: Suck it up: Hoses are essential.

Vaccuum hoses are essential to a smooth-running engine. Cracked, leaking hoses can not only cause your engine to run rough, but can also lead to serious engine damage. While you're under the hood, inspect your engine belts for cracks and fraying. For most vehicles, you'll want to replace your timing belt between 60,000-90,000 miles.

TIP 04

#4: Your suspension system & more.

Your suspension system, including your shocks, struts, tie rods, ball joints and bearing needs to be inspected annually. Each of these parts takes a lot of abuse, as they're designed to 'cushion the blow' from the roughest roads and give you a uniform drive. Common signs of wear and tear include vehicle vibration (which you can feel in the steering wheel and your seat), knocking sounds, and shimmying.

TIP 05

#5: Tune it up.

While most modern vehicles are 'self-tuning' and parts are designed to withstand 100,000 miles or more, it still pays to get a good, old fashioned tune-up to ensure the best balance of performance and fuel economy. Replacing inexpensive parts like spark plugs and air filters can give improve the operation of your vehicle dramatically.

TIP 06

#6: Brake For Car Care

If there's one safety system in your vehicle that trumps all others, it's your brakes. Depending on the type and size of your vehicle, you can expect to get between 20,000-40,000 miles out of your brakes, but you should make it a point of having your brake linings, rotors and drums inspected every time you change your oil. After all, you can never be too safe!

TIP 07

#7: It's Exhausting

Common problems with exhaust system include failed hangers, causing mufflers to drop and drag. As part of the undercarriage, your exhaust system is in direct exposure with the elements, so it's also prone to leaks and holes. If you hear a loud rumbling, it may not be a Harley Davidson approaching - it may very well be a problem with your exhaust system.

TIP 08

#8: Improve air quality.

Your vehicle's HVAC system is imperative to your comfort - and your safety. Although you're not thinking of frost-covered windows as the tulips are blooming, a malfunctioning heating system can lead to winter problems, such as defrosting your windows

TIP 09

#9: Lighten up.

Your vehicle's exterior lighting system is how you communicate with other drivers. From your hazard lights, to your blinkers, headlights and brake lights, each has its own unique role. While most modern vehicles have a warning indicator to tell you when a bulb needs to be replaced, it pays to check the operation of your lights on a regular basis. Trust us on this one - you don't want to be in a vehicle without working brake lights!

TIP 10

#10: Charge it up.

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An automobile without a working battery is little more than a heap of metal and plastic. You want to make sure your battery maintains a good charge and is always ready. As a standard practice, you should check that your battery's connections are clean and free of corrosion. Once it gets to about 3 years old, have it tested with every oil change, and expect to replace it once it gets to be about 5 years old.

TIP 01

#1: Avoid High Speeds

As your speed increases, your aerodynamic drag increases in an exponential fashion. Driving 62 mph (100 km/h) vs 75 mph (120 km/h) will reduce fuel consumption by about 15%.

TIP 02

#2: Don't Accelerate or Brake Hard

By anticipating the traffic and applying slow steady acceleration and braking, fuel economy may increase by as much as 20%

TIP 03

#3: Keep Tires Properly Inflated

Keep tire air pressure at the level recommended by your vehicle manufacturer. A single tire under inflated by 2 PSI, increases fuel consumption by 1%

TIP 04

#4: Use A/C Sparingly

When the air conditioner is on it puts extra load on the engine forcing more fuel to be used (by about 20%). The defrost position on most vehicles also uses the air conditioner.

TIP 05

#5: Keep Windows Closed

Windows open, especially at highway speeds, increase drag and result in decreased fuel economy of up to 10%.

TIP 06

#6: Service Vehicle Regularly

Proper maintenance avoids poor fuel economy related to dirty air filters, old spark plugs or low fluid levels.

TIP 07

#7: Use Cruise Control

Maintaining a constant speed over long distances often saves gas.

TIP 08

#8: Avoid Heavy Loads

Remove the sand bags from your trunk in the spring and pack lightly for long trips.

TIP 09

#9: Avoid Long Idles

If you anticipate being stopped for more than 1 minute, shut off the car. Restarting the car uses less fuel than letting it idle for this time.

TIP 10

#10: A Fuel Efficient Vehicle

When buying a new vehicle examine the vehicle's rated fuel efficiency. Usually choosing a small vehicle with a manual transmission will provide you with great fuel economy.

TJ'S AUTO REPAIR-"Where Quality Counts" ~ AAA approved, NAPA AutoCare Center.~ T.J.'s Auto Repair is a full service, automotive, truck and motorhome repair and maintenance shop, proudly serving the Warrenton, Astoria, Seaside and Long Beach area since 1990.

Driving in the Rain

Rain can create dangerous driving conditions: reduced visibility, reduced traction between tires and the road, and less predictable car handling. When its raining, be cautious and give yourself more time to get where you are going. Also remember to:*Slow down, especially through high water. Driving through several inches of water at high speed can cause you to lose control of the car; it could also splash water into the engine and stall it. Lowering your speed helps you prepare for sudden stops caused by disabled cars, debris and other wet-weather hazards. *If it hasnt rained in a while, expect road surfaces to be slick when it does start raining. Engine oil and grease build up on the road over time. *When mixed with water from rain, the road can become slick. The first few hours of a fresh rain can be the most dangerous. *Turn on your headlights to improve visibility. Disengage your cruise control. *Keep your distance. A car needs two to three times more stopping distance on wet roads. Maintain your vehicle during wet weatherThe most common vehicle problems in wet weather involve wipers, brakes, tires and defrosters.*Before heading out in wet weather, check your wipers for signs of damage. Replace wiper blades regularly. Make sure your defroster is functioning properly, especially if you havent used it in a while. *Check your brakes. After driving through a puddle, check that brakes are working properly by tapping them gently a few times. *Check your tires. Make sure tires are in good condition and are at the recommended inflation level. Tires should have at least 1/32 of an inch tread depth at any two adjacent grooves, the minimum allowable by law. Driving on over-inflated or under-inflated tires is dangerous on wet pavement. Watch for hydroplaning conditionsHydroplaning occurs when your front tires surf on a film of water. It can occur at speeds as low as 35 miles per hour, especially if tires are worn. If you hydroplane, ease off the gas, gently apply the brakes and steer straight ahead.
Low Visibility

Low-visibility driving & Fog

Tips for driving safely in our Pacific Northwest fogThick fog is a common winter driving hazard. When you are driving in fog, you should slow down to adjust to the reduced visibility. In the most severe situations, a Dense Fog Advisory will be issued if visibility is reduced to less than one-quarter mile. Check www.TripCheck.com for more information, and follow these safety tips:*Slow down. Disengage your cruise control. Most crashes occur because the driver is going too fast for weather conditions. *Use your low beams. High beams will reflect back thick fog, making visibility worse for you and other drivers. *Keep your car headlights clean. Get in the habit of wiping off your lights at the gas station; that way you're ready for low-visibility conditions. *Keep the view clear. Avoid fogged windows by regularly using the defroster and windshield wipers. Moisture can build up on the windshield both inside and out; the air conditioning setting will help keep moisture from building up inside. *Minimize distractions. Turn off the music and dont talk on your cell phone, so you can listen for traffic you cannot see. *Increase following distance to ensure enough time to stop safely. *Watch for emergency stops by other vehicles; watch for slow-moving and parked vehicles. *Use the right edge of the road, white fog line or roadside reflectors as a guide. Do not change lanes or pass other vehicles unless necessary. *If you pull off the road, pull over as far as possible, turn off your headlights and turn on your hazard lights. Nighttime driving is more difficult because visibility is reduced. However, low visibility conditions often occur during the day, caused by heavy snowfall, downpours, thick fog and blowing dust or smoke. Follow these safety tips for driving in low visibility conditions:*Slow down. Disengage your cruise control. Most accidents occur because the driver is going too fast for the weather conditions. *Use your low beams. High beams will disperse in thick fog or snow, making visibility worse for you and other drivers. *Turn on your rear fog lamps, if your vehicle is equipped. They greatly aid visibility for drivers approaching from the rear. *Avoid entering an area if you cannot see a safe distance ahead. *If you suddenly encounter a severe loss of visibility, pull off the pavement as far as possible. Stop, turn off your lights, set the emergency brake and take your foot off the brake to be sure the taillights are not illuminated. Turn on your emergency flashers. *If you can't pull off the roadway, slow down, turn on your low beam headlights and sound the horn occasionally. Use the white fog line or roadside reflectors if necessary to help guide you. *Never stop in the travel lanes. Be seen: Use headlights in winter!Turning on your low-beam headlights during the daytime in the winter months can help make your vehicle more visible to other drivers, bicyclists and pedestrians. When natural light is low at dawn or dusk or when its raining, cloudy or snowing you can improve your vehicles visibility significantly by turning on your low-beam headlights. In fact, many newer vehicles come with daytime running lights so that anytime the vehicle is operating, the low-beam headlights are on to improve visibility. Driving with your lights on during the day throughout the winter helps contrast your vehicle against buildings and other terrain features. Diminished visibility results where there is little contrast between the color of a vehicle and that of its background, such as a lightly colored car against snow or a green car against foliage. Small cars are harder to see at a distance compared to pickups and SUVs. Headlights also contribute to safety on highways with one lane of travel in each direction. Improved visibility can help prevent crashes such as head-on collisions and sideswipes, as well as collisions with pedestrians and cyclists. Tests conducted by the Society of Automotive Engineers determined that with headlights off, drivers can see oncoming cars when they are an average of 2,074 feet away. With headlights on, that distance more than doubles to an average of 4,720 feet. Also, remember to keep your car headlights clean. Get in the habit of wiping off your lights at the gas station; that way you're ready for low-visibility conditions.
Watch for Ice

Watch for Ice......

Invisible danger: black ice. Be aware!Black ice, also called glare ice or clear ice, is a thin layer of ice on the roadway. Any ice is dangerous to drive on, but black ice is worse because the road looks wet, not icy. Black ice isn't really black; it's so thin and transparent that the darker pavement shows through. It often has a matte appearance rather than the expected gloss. Ice on the road prevents your tires from gripping, so steering is difficult and stopping is harder. That means four-wheel drive vehicles won't help much. Ordinary snow tires are designed for snow, not ice. Chains are the most helpful device for gaining traction on ice. But even with chains, stopping distance is still several times greater than on dry pavement with ordinary tires. Black ice is most common at night and very early in the morning, when temperatures are typically their lowest. It is usually thin enough that it melts soon after sunlight hits it, but it can last much longer on shaded areas of roadways. Bridges and overpasses are danger spots: since they do not receive as much heat from the ground and lose more heat to the air, they can drop below freezing even when the rest of the roadway doesn't. Ice forms on the road when the road surface temperature drops below freezing. The ground cools more slowly than the air and warms back more slowly as well, so even if the air temperature is above freezing, the roadway may still be frozen. This discrepancy between temperatures can lull drivers into a false sense of security: they hear the temperature on the morning news and think alls well, when the road is still frozen. To avoid slipping on icy bridges and roads, remember these tips:*Slow down and keep your distance from vehicles in front of you. Allow about three times as much space. *Turn off your cruise control, be alert and drive cautiously to avoid ice on the road ahead. *Look for signs of ice other than on the roadway: on windshield wipers, side view mirrors, road signs, trees or fences. If ice has formed on any of these things, it may be on the road. *If your vehicle feels like its floating, gradually slow down; dont slam on your brakes or you may skid out of control. Safety Alert: Watch for ice on bridges and overpassesBridges and overpasses are the most dangerous parts of the road in the winter. They are the first to freeze and the last to thaw because theyre built of concrete, which doesnt retain as much heat as other materials. There is no land beneath the structure to provide warmth, and wind passes both above and below bridges, keeping them chilled. To be safe, when driving on roads that may be icy, remember the following: *Turn off your cruise control, be alert and drive cautiously. *Roads that are wet or have fresh snow, packed snow, or ice have varying degrees of traction. Adjust your speed to match road conditions. *Increase your distance from vehicles in front of you. Allow about three times as much space as usual. *If your vehicle suddenly feels like its floating, gradually slow down. Dont slam on your brakes. *Changes in elevation can drastically affect road and weather conditions. Watch for icy spots, especially in shaded corners. *Avoid driving through snowdrifts they may cause your vehicle to spin out of control. *Blowing powder or dry snow can limit your visibility, especially when approaching or following trucks or snowplows. Keep your distance to avoid being blinded by blowing snow. After a storm has passed, you should remain cautious, especially on bridges and overpasses. Maintenance crews will be out to clear roads as soon as possible, but the snow and ice may not melt right away.
Chains Traction Tires

Chains and Traction Tires

Practice chaining up In Oregon, there are times when you may be required to use chains on snowy or icy roads. Its important to learn how to mount your chains before bad weather strikes. (Watch a video to learn how to put on chains.) Chaining up is good for both you and other drivers, especially on mountain roads. Travelers who wait until the last minute to put on chains can block lanes, delaying other drivers and making it difficult for crews to sand and plow the road. Youll do your part to keep traffic moving by putting your chains on early. (Map of chain-up areas. pdf) Its a lot easier to put chains on for the first time when you dont have to struggle to read the instructions alongside a snowy road. Practice installing your chains at home when the weather is fair. Then when road conditions require chains, youll already know how to use them. Here are some tips on chaining up and driving with chains:*Check your vehicle operators manual for the right type and size of chains to use. Then follow the manufacturers installation instructions. *Ensure chains are the proper size. Dont deflate tires to install chains. *Dont wait until you lose control of your vehicle before chaining up. *Pull over to a safe and level area to mount or remove chains. *Carry a waterproof tarp or plastic sheet to help keep you dry. *Keep children and pets safe in your car to avoid distraction and injury. *Pull over in a safe place and retighten your tire chains after you have driven a short distance. Map of chain-up areas (pdf) *Pull over and stop immediately if any part of your chain fails or comes loose. *Dont drive faster than 30 miles per hour when using chains. Accelerate and decelerate slowly. Avoid spinning or locking your wheels. *Remember: you can slide even with chains, so drive carefully and slowly. Oregon chain law. Traction tire options Oregon state law allows motorists to use studded tires from Nov. 1 through April 4. Because studded tires damage Oregon highways, ODOT encourages drivers to consider using chains or non-studded traction tires. Studless traction tires that meet Rubber Manufacturers Association standards for use in severe snow conditions carry a special symbol on the tire sidewall: a three-peaked mountain and snowflake. Research shows these tires provide better traction than studded tires on bare pavement. Studded tire factsYou can use studded tires in Oregon from Nov. 1 through March 31. Driving with studded tires before Nov. 1 or after March 31 (for 2011 date extended to April 4) is a Class C violation and carries a $190 fine. Research shows that studded tires are more effective than all-weather tires on icy roads, but are less effective in most other conditions because they may reduce traction between the road and the tire. Oregon spends more than $11 million a year fixing roads and bridges damaged by studded tires. When it rains, water collects in the pavement ruts caused by studded tires and creates dangerous driving conditions. In cold weather, that water can freeze and cause extra-slippery roads. Alternatives to studded tires Chains and chain-like devicesChains are more effective than studded tires and are becoming easier to use. Link chains may not be recommended for use on some types of vehicles; check your owners manual. Other traction tiresTraction tires, other than studded tires, provide increased traction in winter conditions. They work about as well as studded tires on ice, but work better than studded tires or regular tires in most other winter conditions. These other traction tires cause no more damage to road surfaces than regular tires. Know Before you Go: Visit www.TripCheck.com, Oregons travel information website, for up-to-the-minute road conditions and more information on Oregons chain law and chain requirements. You can also get the latest in road conditions by calling 511. Snow Zone signs tell you what's requiredWhen you see a "Snow Zone" sign as you drive Oregon's highways, you'll want to pay special attention; these signs provide valuable information during winter months. Snow Zone signs let you know about the current requirements for using chains and traction tires. TripCheck has pictures of the signs and a description of what each of them means. In very bad winter conditions all vehicles may be required to use chains regardless of the type of vehicle or type of tire being used. This is known as a conditional road closure and may occur on any of Oregon's highways. Regardless of whether the chains required signs are posted, it is every driver's responsiblity to maintain control of their vehicle at all times.
Prepare for Storms

Prepare for Stormy Conditions

Whenever theres a chance of stormy weather, ODOT encourages motorists to prepare their vehicles in advance and drive with extra caution. Before traveling to areas that may have hazardous conditions, make sure your vehicle is ready:*Ensure the heater and defroster are working properly. *Test all lights. Carry spare light bulbs. *Use antifreeze thats good to -25Â°F; check and fill washer and other fluids and make sure hoses arent loose or brittle. *Keep wipers clean and in good condition; fill the windshield washer tank. *Make certain your battery is fully charged (also check battery age and make sure cables are not loose or corroded). *Ensure your tires are in good condition and properly inflated for best traction, including your spare. *Carry chains or use traction tires in winter. *Keep an automotive safety kit in your vehicle. If you are driving in areas that have ice or snow on the road, adjust your driving to fit conditions and remember these winter driving tips:*Turn off your cruise control. *If you lose traction and your vehicle feels like its floating, gradually slow down. Dont slam on the brakes. *Use caution when driving on bridges or concrete highways. These surfaces are the first to freeze and become slippery when the temperature drops. *Slow down in advance of shaded areas, especially on curves. Shaded areas are cooler and may have ice that is difficult to see. *Dont pass snowplows or sanders, and dont follow them too closely; they will pull over! *Be prepared for slow traffic after a storm passes. It may take several hours to clear long lines of trucks waiting to cross a pass after a storm moves through the area. Also, it may take time to remove cars abandoned on the side of the road. Make sure your vehicle is stocked with the following:Rechargeable flashlight Cell phone and charger Extra food and water Flares Tools: jack, lug wrench, shovel Road maps Blanket/sleeping bag(s) Extra warm clothes, boots, hat and gloves First aid kit Pocketknife Matches or lighter Battery jumper cables Ice scraper and snow brush Paper towels Extra washer fluid Chains or traction tires A full fuel tank If you travel with an infant or baby, pack extra food, warm clothes and blankets, toys and games, and extra diapers just in case. Remember to use your child safety seat properly.Before leaving, tell a friend where you are going, the planned route, and when anticipate arriving. Keep them updated on any major route or arrival changes. Oregons weather can change quickly and without warning. For road conditions in Oregon, call 511 or (800) 977-ODOT (6368). Outside Oregon, dial (503) 588-2941. Reports are available 24 hours a day. Visit www.TripCheck.com for information on road and weather conditions, incidents and traffic delays. Links to cameras on many mountain passes and major routes give real-time views of road conditions.
Know Before You Go

TJ's Cares ~ Know Before You Go

Let TJ's prepare and maintain your vehicle for winter, but be sure to check road conditions before you go...

Three ways to get informationThe Oregon Department of Transportation offers three easy ways to get travel information: from your computer, by phone and on cable television in certain areas. Via the InternetFor up-to-date travel conditions via the internet, visit www.TripCheck.com, ODOT's travel information website. With more than 1.6 million visitors per month, TripCheck.com provides valuable road and weather information to enhance safety around the state. The site features:Detailed maps updated in real time display road conditions and trouble spots, including weather, construction, maintenance and traffic incidents. TripCheck also displays high impact incidents on multiple pages to make them easier to spot. TripCheck provides approximately 300 camera images from urban areas, mountain passes and other key locations throughout Oregon, as well as southern Washington and northern California. Users can create and bookmark custom camera pages with up to 10 different cameras for quick checks of specific routes. A color-coded speed map of the Portland area provides average travel speeds on Portland highways. TripCheck also has links to bus, airport, train, bicycle and trucking information; commercial roadside services such as hotels, motels and restaurants; and detailed information on scenic byways, safety rest areas and Sno-Parks. A mileage calculator lets users estimate distances and choose the most direct route. TripCheck also provides detailed information on the use of traction tire and chains in Oregon. Tripcheck is available in a special format for mobile devices such as cell phones, iPhones and other mobile devices. Visit www.TripCheck.com/mobile for a handy menu of TripCheck features. TripCheck information is now also available in text format via Twitter. Visit TripCheck.com and click on the Twitter page to learn more. By phoneTravelers in Oregon can dial 511 to access the same immediate road and weather information available on TripCheck.Users can select updated reports about driving conditions by highway, mountain pass or major city from easy-to-use menus. The 511 system responds to both voice and touch-tone commands. Calls to 511 are local calls when dialed from a pay phone or wire line phone. Wireless (cell) phone users are responsible for airtime and roaming charges according to their wireless service contracts, but ODOT does not impose any additional charges. Most wireless companies in Oregon provide 511 service. If you cannot use 511, call toll-free (800) 977-ODOT (6368) for road and weather information. Outside Oregon, dial (503) 588-2941. Oregon offers the feature of forwarding users to the Washington state 511 system for road conditions in that state. TripCheck is available for mobile phones. Visit www.tripcheck.com/mobile for a handy menu of TripCheck features, all formatted for the smaller screen size of mobile devices. It even provides links to directly dial hotels and restaurants along Oregon highways. Remember, in Oregon, drivers are allowed to use hands-free devices, but not texting devices or touch cell phones. ODOT encourages motorists to pull off the road and park in a safe area before using cell phones. On cable TVCorvallis and Bend cable subscribers can check road and weather information instantly on television. Bend Broadband customers can view road and weather information from selected cameras as well as live video feeds on Channel 48. TripCheck Morning commuters in Corvallis get TripCheck information via their local cable systems. All of our cameras in the Portland area can be viewed in motion at TripCheck.com. Reporting a road hazardTo report road hazards (trees down, electric wires across the road, road blocked by mud or rocks, etc.) motorists should call the nearest ODOT dispatch center.Portland metro area, Hood River area: (503) 283-5859 Mid-Willamette Valley, north coast: (503) 362-0457 Southern Willamette Valley, south coast: (541) 858-3103 Central and eastern Oregon: (541) 383-0121
MAIN_Winter Driving Tips

Back to TJ's Car Care Corner

Tips for Winter Driving

Your safety out on the road is important to TJ's Auto Repair. Important Winter Driving Tips & Information for Oregon & Washington Drivers

Watch for ice

Driving in the rain

Chains and traction tires

Safety Check List

Low-visibility driving

Stormy conditions

Know Before You Go ~ Road Conditions and Travel Information

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