Express Lube Blogs

With rising fuel costs, the average consumer continues to search for ways to maximize their vehicle’s fuel efficiency. So called “Gas Guzzlers” no longer dominate the highways. Large SUV’s are being swapped out for more fuel efficient vehicles, such as hybrids. Fuel efficient vehicles have never been at a higher premium. While we’re not suggesting you go out and purchase an electric vehicle, we’re certain the following tips will help your pocket book.

From your routine oil change to a complete tune up, keeping your vehicle maintained will not only extend the life of the vehicle, but will also help your fuel savings. In addition to extending the life of you engine, following a routine oil change schedule will help maintain your vehicle’s fuel efficiency.  Additionally, using the recommended oil for your vehicle can save you as much as 2% in fuel costs. Switching from conventional oil to synthetic oil can also increase your vehicle’s fuel efficiency by as much as 5%. As we learned in science class, air, fuel and spark are essential to the combustion process. While a dirty air filter may not affect your vehicle’s fuel economy, it will affect your vehicle’s acceleration and longevity. Be sure your vehicle can breathe by performing an air filter replacement at the recommended intervals. A change of your vehicle’s spark plugs can net you an increase of 4% in fuel savings. Lastly, replacing a faulty oxygen sensor, which regulates the amount of oxygen used in the fuel mixture, can save you as much as 40% in fuel savings.

Many vehicles today are equipped with Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Sensors. Having your vehicle’s tires properly inflated will do wonders for your vehicle’s fuel economy. On the other hand, low tire pressure will increase your rolling resistance, lowering your vehicle's fuel economy. Low tire pressure will also cause the tires to wear more quickly. Properly inflated tires can increase your fuel economy by as much as 3%, which equates to a savings of 10 cents per gallon. Another thing to consider is inflating your vehicle’s tires with is Nitrogen. Nitrogen molecules are consistent in size, whereas compressed air is not. This consistency in size provides greater stability regarding your vehicle’s tire pressure.

Your driving habits can greatly affect your vehicle’s fuel efficiency. So, don’t floor it. One of the best ways to increase your vehicle’s fuel efficiency can be achieved by accelerating slowly and braking over a longer distance. According to www.fueleconomy.gov, for every 5 miles you exceed over 60 MPH, is equivalent to paying an additional 27 cents per gallon. That’s crazy! Other things such as consolidating your travel and lightening your vehicle’s load will also help with your fuel savings.  Lastly, don’t drive out of the way to save a few pennies per gallon of fuel. Simply put, it’s not worth it.

Before you trade in your Tahoe for a Smart Car, try our fuel saving tips and see if you notice a difference.  While the suggestions are fairly small and inexpensive, we’re confident these tips will lead to considerable fuel savings.

Oil Change San Antonio

As consumer’s continually search for ways to maximize their dollar, extending the life of their vehicle has become increasingly important. Frequently, the question arises, which motor oil is better for your vehicle, conventional or synthetic? As vehicles become increasingly sophisticated, choosing the correct oil becomes vitally important. Factors such as driving conditions, engine performance, and fuel efficiency must be taken into consideration in order to the find the product which is right for your vehicle, so the next time your having your oil changed, you will be able to make an informed decision about choosing coventional or synthetic oil.

Before we dive in, let’s review the essentials of motor oil. Motor oil is graded by the SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers). The oil is graded according to the oil’s viscosity characteristics. The API (American Petroleum Institute) sets the standards for lubricants. Engine oil which meets API Standards will display the API Service Symbol (Donut) on the packaging of the product. Additionally, products which are API certified will have a starburst symbol usually located on the front the product. Most manufacturers will recommend you use a motor oil which meets API specifications. Conventional oil is derived from petroleum. Synthetic oil is chemically modified from petroleum. Now that we’ve covered a few key concepts, we can move forward.

First, one must review the recommendation set forth by the manufacturer. Manufacturers’ are beginning to require synthetic oil to provide enhanced protection and offer the consumer a vehicle with extended drain intervals. Synthetic oils are treated with more additives, thereby providing superior protection for your vehicle’s engine. The superior additives used in synthetic oil keep your engine cleaner, removing sludge buildup and varnish. This added protection allows your vehicle to go longer between oil change service.

Secondly, driving conditions must be taken into consideration. You driving conditions will greatly affect the performance and recommended maintenance for your vehicle. For those who drive in normal operating conditions, conventional oil may be sufficient. However, those driving in severe conditions like we can experience here in San Antonio, may need added protection to extend the life of their engine. The molecules in synthetic oil are more consistent in size, therefore enabling it to withstand extreme engine temperatures. Additionally, synthetic oil does not contain the amount of wax that is found in conventional oil, therefore it is able to move more easily in colder weather.

With the increase in fuel costs, finding ways to increase your vehicle’s MPG (Miles Per Gallon) is more important than ever. Synthetic oil produces less resistance in the engine, therefore the engine produces more horsepower, operating more efficiently. By generating more power, more efficiently, this equates to less fuel being used. A quick Google search will reveal numerous studies which have shown an increase in fuel economy with the use of synthetic oil. Reports have detailed a 10% increase in MPG when switching conventional oil to a synthetic oil used in various components, including the engine.

While the cost of synthetic oil is significantly more than conventional oil, the long term benefits prove to be cost effective. By providing an extended drain interval, superior engine protection, and increase in fuel economy, synthetic oil appears to be the more economical choice. That being said, the better suited oil will depend on your vehicle and your driving habits. All of these factors need to be considered the next time your having an oil change.