Maintenance Matters

The Informative Newsletter of Alan Cox Automotive May, 2008

In This Issue

10 Ways to Increase Fuel Economy

Quick Links...

Honda Recalls

Honda is recalling 19,904 2006 model Honda Civic vehicles to inspect and repair a condition that could cause the brake light switch to fail. On certain vehicles, the telescoping steering column lubricant can leak onto the brake light switch causing a failure of the brake lights and also making it impossible to move the transmission from the "park" position. Dealers will replace the switch and install a protective cover over the switch. For more information visit Recalls.

Another Great Resource

I recently had the pleasure of meeting Gail Dunn. Gail started Women's Automotive Connection after retiring from the body shop industry. Check out her website for some great information.

Women's Automotive Connection

Have questions? Check out our Blog

Redline Performance Group On Line Store for all your parts needs

Need tires? Call for a quote!

Call Jonathan 770-427-1745

Honda Motor Company's U.S. sales rose more than 9%, with car sales up 7% and truck sales up 13% in 2007. The new Accord sedan and CR-V crossover vehicle fueled the increase, the company said.

Alan Cox Automotive

1326 Cobb Parkway North

Marietta, GA 30062

770-427-1745

Fax 770-427-0786

sherry@alancoxautomotive.com

Alan Cox Automotive

Dear Friend,

Wow...it is hard to believe it is May already. Kids will be out of school soon and time to schedule summer vacation. With gas prices going up weekly I have included some suggestions on fuel economy.

Mother's Day is Sunday, May 11 so make sure you call Mom. In the last calendar I sent, there are lots of fun activities in May. Hope you have an opportunity to get out and enjoy. If I may be of assistance to you please call. Oh, remember to pick up a Be Car Care Aware brochure next time you are in the shop.

Happy Mother's Day,

Sherry Richardson

P.S. Remember to have a mini service for $29.95 prior to heading on vacation.

10 Ways to Increase Fuel Economy

Oil prices are climbing, and that can only mean some painful price hikes at the fuel pump. These days, fuel economy is a serious concern for most drivers. But squeezing the most pennies from one's fuel economy dollar is no easy task. It takes some skillful driving and a vehicle that's properly maintained.

Here are some helpful tips to keep in mind:

Set Correct Tire Pressures - Use an accurate tire gauge to set the tire pressures to the recommended values listed on the driver's doorjamb sticker. These values are the recommended cold inflation pressures for the best ride quality, steering feel, handling, and fuel economy. When replacing wheels and tires, always go with the same size as recommended by the manufacturer, they're optimized for low rolling resistance.
Use the Correct Engine Oil - A higher viscosity engine oil increases internal engine drag, and that reduces fuel mileage. Always use the recommended engine oil for your vehicle. Have your oil changed every 3,000 miles or Oil Life Left = 50% to decrease internal engine drag and increase fuel efficiency.
Accelerate Moderately and Smoothly - Hard acceleration burns a lot of fuel. Very slow acceleration keeps the transmission in its lower gears too long, which also increases fuel consumption. Moderate, smooth acceleration gives the best fuel economy. With a manual transmission, you can boost your fuel economy by upshifting as early as possible.
Avoid Stop-and-Go Driving - Anticipate traffic signals to keep the vehicle's momentum going. Don't tailgate. Use the cruise control as much as possible to keep your speed consistent.
Minimize Braking - Every time you brake, you have to accelerate again and that uses fuel. When decelerating, take your foot off the gas pedal or use light braking. In hybrid vehicles, decelerating or light braking charges up the IMA battery so the kinetic energy can be used again when accelerating.
Use A/C Sparingly - The engine works harder when the A/C is running, and that reduces your fuel mileage. Turn the A/C on only when you really need it. Set the climate control at the warmest temperature that is comfortable.
Reduce Speed - Aerodynamic drag has a big effect on fuel mileage at speeds above 45 mph. Reduce Speed - Reduce Drag. Trailers, cartop carriers, roof racks, and bike racks are also big contributors to increased drag.
Reduce Vehicle Weight - Unnecessary items in the vehicle add weight which makes the engine work harder and use more fuel. Remove the stuff you don't need from passenger compartment, trunk or cargo area.
In Cold Weather Park Vehicle in Garage - As air temperature drops, more fuel is wasted heating up the engine to its normal operating temperature and the oil is thicker, increasing internal engine drag. In extreme cold weather a block heater is recommended. I don't think we have to worry about that in Georgia.
Avoid Short Trips If Possible - The engine uses a lot of fuel to warm up to its normal operating temperature. The shorter the trip, the more fuel is used decreasing fuel economy. For short trips, try walking or bicycling if you can. Great exercise, also. If you need to drive, keep in mind your fuel economy will drop quite a bit. This is especially true on a hot day and you're running the A/C to quickly cool down the vehicle. Such conditions can easily reduce your fuel economy by more than 25 percent.

Thank you for your continued patronage. If you have a vehicle for sale please let us know. We have several people looking for good dependable vehicles.

Drive safely,

Sherry Richardson
Alan Cox Automotive

P.S. Remember: Refer a new customer and you both receive a Free mini service. Have your friend tell Nick you referred them.

	Is your A/C ready for summer? Mention or print this coupon and Receive a Free A/C Check.* If your A/C is low on freon an evacuate and recharge is $137 on most vehicles. 770-427-1745
Offer Expires: May 31, 2008 * $43.00 value; not valid with any other coupon