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VALVOLINE INSTANT OIL CHANGE® OFFERS AUTO TIPS FOR SUMMER TRAVEL SEASON AMID RISING GAS PRICES
In some parts of the country, gas prices have reached $2 per gallon and are expected to increase even more during the summer travel season. The sharp increase in gasoline prices – which have risen as much as 30 to 40 cents in the past year in some areas – has forced consumers to investigate ways to improve gas mileage. Along with fuel-efficiency tactics, regular vehicle maintenance helps to ensure a safe and successful trip. Valvoline Instant Oil Change offers the following tips as travelers grapple with ways to improve fuel economy and have a safe summer vacation: Improving Fuel Economy: Tire Pressure and Rotation – Tires need to be properly inflated and rotated, and checked monthly. Properly inflated tires can result in increased fuel economy and safety. Engine Oil and Filter – Have the engine oil level checked on a regular basis. Change oil and filter as directed in your owner’s manual (industry recommendations suggest every three months or 3,000 miles). Use the specified oil grade and weight; consider synthetic blend oils for maximum engine protection. Semi-synthetic and full-synthetic motor oils help improve and maintain fuel efficiency for the life of the oil (applies to 5W30 and 10W30 grades). Air filter – Have your air filter inspected at each oil change. An air filter that is clogged with dirt, dust and bugs chokes off the air and creates a “rich” mixture – too much gas being burned for the amount of air, which wastes gas and causes the engine to lose power. Replacing a clogged air filter can improve gas mileage by as much as 10 percent, saving about 15 cents a gallon. It should be replaced annually, when it’s dirty, leaking, torn, water or oil soaked, or showing other signs of wear. Fuel System Services – Ask automotive specialists about available fuel system treatments to protect and clean the vehicle’s fuel and air intake systems, which restores engine efficiency and fuel economy. Specific services are based on mileage recommendations. Auto Safety: Brakes – Have the braking system inspected at least once a year. A thorough inspection should include brake lining wear, break fluid level, rotor thickness, condition of hoses and brake lines, and brake and dash warning lights. The U.S. Department of Transportation reports that the leading cause of mechanical breakdown on the nation’s highways is overheating – an easily avoidable condition. Other avoidable problems include low antifreeze/coolant, worn/loose drive belts and defective cooling system hoses. Transmission Fluid – Check fluid levels at every oil change. Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) lubricates and cools your car’s automatic transmission. It’s important to have the car’s transmission fluid changed completely according to your manufacturer’s recommended schedule, as heat and mileage cause the fluid’s vital additives to become oxidized, depleted and inert. Coolant – Check the coolant level at the reservoir at each oil change. Coolant should be changed at the manufacturer’s recommended service interval, usually once a year. Cooling system neglect can be a common cause of engine failure. Cabin Air Filter – About 30 million U.S. cars have a cabin air filter – which helps to prevent contaminants such as pollen, dust, mold spores and smog from entering the vehicle’s passenger compartment through the air conditioning, heating and ventilation systems, making the air in the car six times dirtier than the air outside. If your car has one, have it inspected by a professional to determine if it’s time to have it replaced before going on a long trip.
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