Choose the correct fuel type for your car

#2 Selection of Fuel – Octane Content of Petrol

When you visit most petrol stations and definitely the major petrol stations, you are provided a number of options for petrol with different octane content amounts. For managing fuel economy and fuel cost, and as long as higher levels of octane are not “needed’ by your car selecting the regular fuel would be better for your pocket.

On the other hand, if have a high-compression engine which could be at risk of detonation (pinging), or it is specified for your vehicle such as for some European models and performance cars, higher-octane levels in petrol may be needed.

In high-performance cars with high-compression engines higher-octane petrol will enable the engine management system to work at peak efficiency. Higher-octane petrol decreases the risk of engine pinging or engine detonation and the need for costly car engine problems or an unscheduled car service.

Refer to your car’s owner’s manual and if it says your car can take regular unleaded petrol, then you’ll save your money by sticking to this recommendation. You should check with your cars handbook to verify this.

About the Author
ACE Mobile Mechanics
Car Service | Roadside Assistance | Vehicle Inspection
CALL 13 20 42
www.acemobile.com.au

Acceleration and Speed - Manage your right foot

#1 Acceleration and Speed – Managing Your Right Foot

This may be the simplest and most effective hint for getting better fuel economy. The more rapid you accelerate the more petrol your car will use.

This of course means that your fuel economy will go down. The slower you accelerate the less petrol your car will use.

In relation to speed, even throughout acceleration, wind resistance increases its impact on a vehicle the greater the speed at which the vehicle is travelling. Did you know that cars are much more efficient when driving at around 75 km/hr than they are above 100km/hr or more?

The same vehicle may notice a difference of 15% or greater in fuel economy between travelling at 75 km/hr and 110 km/hr. As the car’s speed increases, air resistance causes friction and this consumes more power output and hence more fuel.

What can be done?

When travelling on freeways, maintain a constant speed and try to brake less if possible.

Moderate your acceleration and deceleration. When approaching red traffic lights or places where you need to stop, don’t race up to them and then suddenly stop. It is better to safely moderate speed on such approaches and improves your fuel economy. If traffic lights change from red to green and traffic ahead moves along, that will help if you are able to move with the traffic without stopping. Accelerating from a stationary position consumes more fuels that from a forward moving position. This technique will improve your fuel economy.

About the Author
ACE Mobile Mechanics
Car Service | Roadside Assistance | Vehicle Inspection
CALL 13 20 42
www.acemobile.com.au

Checking your Transmission Fluid

To check your transmissions fluid and the fluid level, park your car on level ground and start the engine.

Set transmission lever to the “P” (Park) position, and let the engine idle (on some cars this procedure may be different, please check the owners’ manual for details).

Pull the transmission dipstick (check your owner’s manual to find where transmission dipstick is placed in your car if you don’t already know where it is).

Wipe it with a lint-free clean rag or tissue. Then insert it back carefully all the way down into its place.

Pull again and check the fluid level. If the engine is cold, it should be above the “COLD” mark. If the engine is hot, the level should be at the upper end of the “HOT” mark. If it’s just a little bit lower you don’t need to worry. If required top it up.

Checking the Fluid Condition

If the fluid is black and has a burnt smell, your transmission isn’t going to last. Normally it should be clean and transparent. New transmission fluid is red in colour. Over time it turns brownish. If it is brown, check your owner’s manual, it may be time to change it. Some manufacturers require transmission fluid changed at 60,000km, others specify that you never have to change it – check your car’s manual for information pertaining to your car.

If you follow these tips you should decrease the chance of needing a car repair or unscheduled car service.

About the Author
Home Tune Mobile Mechanics
www.hometune.com.au
PHONE: 1300 368 863