Driving With Low Fuel
Drivers can usually be split into two categories: those who make a point of filling their car up to the brim as soon as they’ve made a small dent on the fuel container, and those who perpetually ride with an almost-empty gas tank, filling their car with gas sparsely and frequently. What most auto repair Longmont know (that most average drivers don’t) is that driving on empty can lead to damage in a car’s fuel system. Fuel pumps tend to stay cool by remaining submerged in the fuel within the tank.
Since these components pump fuel from the tank to the engine, it’s important that they remain in good shape. If the driver runs on a quarter tank or less on a regular basis, it’s possible that the fuel pump may overheat, which means that it will be in need of replacement sooner rather than later. Fuel pump replacements can come with a hefty fee depending on the make, model, and year in question. In all cases, it’s better for drivers to avoid the bill by making sure that there’s an adequate amount of fuel in their car at all times.
Refraining From Handbrake Use While in Automatic
All drivers who own vehicles with an automatic gearbox should ensure that the handbrake is always used when parked. This applies even if the driver is parked on a perfectly flat surface while in ‘P’ mode. When drivers put their transmission in ‘P’, there’s actually very little that stops the car from rolling away.
In fact, the only thing stopping the car from doing so is a parking pawl, which is a tiny metal pin. The parking pawl is the size of a pinky finger, and it squeezes itself into the gears of a car’s gearbox in order to prevent them from moving while the car is parked.
The pawl is prone to shattering if it is made to bear the entire weight of a vehicle for a long period of time, especially over prolonged use. Since replacing the parking pawl can cost hundreds of dollars, it’s best for the driver to simply lean on the handbrake in order to reduce the tension being put on other, more sensitive components.
Heavy Feet
Smoothness is key when driving. Despite knowing this, many drivers tend to brake hard and accelerate hard, which cost them in terms of fuel while also wearing out brake pads and rotors sooner rather than later.
Replacing brake components are relatively inexpensive, but they need regular replacement throughout a vehicle’s lifespan. By simply easing the pressure on the pedals, drivers can save plenty of money in the long run by requiring fewer break component repairs.
Auto Repair Longmont 