| Locations |
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Bowman Field Location
Middletown Location |
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| IMO |
In My Opinion
Here you will find Russ Steins' latest IMO column as well as the archive of past columns. Enjoy.
IMO #8: GAS PRICE BLUES
We all are aware that gas prices are at record highs. The topic is in the news daily and it’s almost as if we need to take out a loan to fill the gas tank anymore! Some time ago in IMO #2, I addressed simple things that you can do to improve the fuel efficiency of your car or SUV, so I suggest a re-read because everything in that article still holds true. But, now I want to talk about what we here in the shop can for you beyond those “do it yourself” tips to stretch those gas dollars.
Oxygen sensors: how is yours doing?
Often ignored, oxygen sensors are one of the key players in the fuel efficiency game. They sniff the exhaust content and report to the engine management computers constantly. But since they protrude into the hot exhaust system they erode and get coated with deposits, all of which degrades their performance and reduces your fuel mileage. You can’t tell how they are performing correctly without specialized shop equipment, so testing these devices (which we do on every major service, by the way) is a job left to the pros.
Codes, codes, codes!
Computer systems in the modern car rival the Space Shuttle in power and complexity-really! All of that computer muscle is part of the reason that power, low emissions and good fuel efficiency co-exist in modern cars and SUV’s. It also means that these computers can give us tons of valuable data on how your car is doing. All that data comes in layers of codes that when interpreted by factory diagnostic test equipment and a qualified technician, can tell us what vehicle components and systems are marginal and keeping you from achieving maximum fuel efficiency.
Is your software up to date?
No, I’m not talking about your MacBook or your Dell PC here, I’m talking about your car! We subscribe to factory technical websites and can verify if your vehicle is in need of software updates, just like your computer. These updates can improve fuel efficiency and performance, or correct a driveability issue that you thought you just had to live with. This again is something we check for at every major service, as well as checking if it may possibly be a warranty or recall issue
which would of course be at the manufacturer’s expense.
Routine service is good!
With our busy schedules and the high reliability of modern vehicles, servicing
intervals can be overlooked, just like I missed the last two cleaning appointments at my dentist. (Sorry, Dr. Willey!) Spark plugs last a long time but still wear out, air and fuel filters still get dirty, batteries still get weak and wheels get out of alignment. All these items cut into your fuel mileage. Regular maintenance pays you dividends in better fuel mileage every time you turn the key.
The bottom line is that all of us at Stein Automotive are your partners in assuring that your vehicle wrings every last mile out of each of those gallons in your tank. With proper service and correct driving habits, that car or SUV of yours will give you years of safe, reliable service using the least amount of fuel possible.
Happy Motoring!
IMO
Russ Stein
Stein Automotive
Created on 2006-03-03 17:27:11 by jlwallen
Updated on 2007-06-07 19:55:58 by jlwallen
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