How can I save gas?

Every one of the following suggestions will save you gas:

If you have extra things in your car, remove them. All of this extra weight may be the reason your car is using so much gas. The more weight in the car, the more you engine has to work. This means burning more gas!

Basically slow down! The faster you go the more your engine has to work to move. Try not being a speed demon for a week and see the gas you save!

By using cruise control you ensure that you maintain a constant speed which burns less gas.

When the light turns green try pressing the gas petal slowly instead of flooring it. This will lower the RPM of the car, meaning less gas is used.

Every time you press the brake petal your engine has to work harder. By accelerating after pressing the brake more fuel is burned. Try taking your foot off the gas petal instead of going for the brake.

Your tires air pressure is very important when it comes to saving gas. Regularly check the pressure to make sure everything is up to par. Low inflation tires means you engine has to work harder to get the car moving, meaning using more gas.

Your fuel filter may be filled with dirt and grime, which prohibits fuel from going directly to your engine. Step1 If the engine needs a tune-up it could be wasting 15% (or more) of its fuel, due to misfiring spark plugs, inefficient fuel system and malfunctioning emission controls. The cost, about $5.00 per month.

If tires are 8 pounds under inflated, not an uncommon condition, rolling resistance of the tires increases by 5%. The monthly cost in wasted gas, $2.30.

If wheels are just 1/4" out of alignment, another factor that affects rolling resistance, chalk up another 2% or about $1.00 a month. Note: this condition, as well as under inflation, accelerates tire wear, thereby adding to the cost of neglect.

A cooling system thermostat stuck in the open position, causing the engine to run too cool, can reduce engine efficiency by another 7%. The monthly cost, $3.20

Back to Top

Where can I get rid of used oil in NYC?

Service stations are required by New York State law to accept up to 5 gallons of used motor oil per person, per day, at no charge.  Remember not to mix your motor oil with any other substance.

Back to Top

Why does my fan continue to run when I turn off the key?

If you are referring to the heater / air conditioner fan, there is probably a faulty switch. You can preserve your battery by finding the fuse and pulling it. If you are referring to the radiator fan, they are controlled by a temperature sensor in the engine coolant and may continue running for a short period of time after the engine is shut off to get the coolant temperature down. However, this is most common in summer time not winter. If this is the case in winter, check you coolant level. Follow your owner’s manual to avoid burning yourself.
 

Back to Top

Who do I call for an appointment?

Call 718-967-7500 and ask for John.  If you are in the neighborhood stop in many times your problem may be a simple solution and we may even be able to help you right away.  If it looks like it's going to require some time we can set up an appointment for later today or within the next day or two.  If it looks like it may be a complicated job we can drive you home and call you when done.  If it looks like it may be more than a day to repair we have a special agreement with Enterprise Auto Rental and we can get you a rental vehicle while your car is in for repair.

Back to Top

What can I do to keep my car in good condition?

One of the best things you can do is bring your car in every three months or 3,000 miles and get an oil change.  If we see your car on a regular schedule we can catch things before they get bad.  When we test drive your car we look for and feel the way it handles and can keep your car in top shape.  If we think something doesn't feel right we can ask your permission to check further and catch things before they become a problem.  We treat your car as if it were our own. 

Back to Top

When is the best time to bring my car in for a checkup?

We treat all our customers as if they were our family or friends.  Call us or stop by, if we can fit you in right away or within the next day or two you can always be assured we will get your car working as soon as possible.

Back to Top