Gas Saving Car Care | Maintenance Tips [2]

Remove roof racks
When you need to transport your bicycles or skis a roof mounted rack is indispensable, but it does cut into your fuel efficiency. Even when empty bicycle, cargo and ski racks add quite a bit of drag making your car less aerodynamic, which consumes more fuel. Removing them when they are not being used will save you gas and help reduce wind noise on the highway.

Vehicle Service Maintenance
Proper routine maintenance will help extend the life of your car and preserve its resale value. In addition to helping you avoid costly repairs down the road, regular maintenance will optimize your car's performance, safety and extend gas mileage thus saving you big money at the pump, but more importantly keep your warranty valid.

At the very least have the oil changed every three months / 3000 miles at your local dealer or service station. Many advertise "Express Lube" specials, which usually include 5 quarts of premium oil and a replacement oil filter for around $20.00.

3,000 miles Service Maintenance should be:

• Replace Engine Oil
  
• Replace Oil Filter
  
• Check and Top Off All Fluid Levels
  
• Inspect Condition of Hoses and Belts
  
• Inspect Complete Disc Brake System
  
• Set Tire Pressure
  
• Inspect All Lighting Systems
  

• Replace engine oil
  
• Replace oil filter
  
• Replace automatic trans-axle, transfer and rear differential fluids
  
• Check and top off all fluid levels
  
• Inspect anti-freeze protection
  
• Inspect complete disc brake system (adjust front and rear)
  
• Inspect steering system including alignment check by test drive
  
• Inspect front suspension and ball joints
  
• Rotate tires and balance front tires
  
• Set tire pressure
  
• Perform tune-up and bring engine to spec
  
• Replace spark plugs
  
• Replace air filter
  
• Clean throttle plate (e.F.I.)
  
• Inspect condition of hoses and belts
  
• Inspect operation of horn, wipers, lights, and heater
  
• Lube all locks, latches, and hinges
  
• Road test vehicle for performance quality check
  

• Replace engine oil
  
• Replace oil filter
  
• Replace automatic trans-axle, transfer and rear differential fluids (all-trac & 4WD models)
  
• Check and top off all fluid levels
  
• Drain and refill coolant
  
• Inspect brake linings and drums
  
• Inspect steering system including alignment check by test drive
  
• Inspect front suspension and ball joints
  
• Install grease fittings and lubricate chassis
  
• Inspect drive shaft boots & grease
  
• Repack front wheel bearings (where applicable)
  
• Set tire pressure
  
• Inspect exhaust pipes and mountings
  
• Perform tune-up
  
• Replace spark plugs
  
• Replace fuel filter
  
• Replace air filter
  
• Clean throttle plate (E.F.I.)
  
• Inspect camshaft drive belt (timing belt)
  
• Inspect fuel lines and connections, fuel tank vapor vent system
• Hoses and fuel tank band
  
• Inspect condition of hoses and belts
  
• Inspect intake and exhaust valve clearance (22R, A and E engine models)
  
• Inspect operation of horn, wipers, lights, and heater
  
• Lube all locks, latches, and hinges
  
• Road test vehicle for performance quality check
  

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