Rising fuel prices have affected all parts of our lives, not just fuel cost for our cars but also transportation costs for all the goods and services we all use on a daily basis.

This is a big concern to all of so we at Clark Motors did some research to find out what we can do to conserve fuel.  We found that by doing some simple thing we not only help with fuel cost savings but also we help the environment we live in.

Modern technology has been able to improve vehicle performance tremendously, which will make our job as drivers easier.  We have put together some of the things that will help us save.

• Accelerate moderately and smoothly. If you are driving a standard shift car shift  between 2000 and 2500 RPM’s (revolution per minute) and maintain moderate speeds
• Maintain a steady speed while driving.  Use of cruise control is a big help in maintaining speeds.  The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) estimates that driving 55 instead of 65 can save 10-15% in fuel economy.
• When driving use the highest gear possible.  If your car has an automatic transmission select drive.
• By watching the traffic ahead you can anticipate what changes you will need to make.  If traffic is slowing start slowing early to be able to maintain a steady speed.
• By decelerating early and using the engine and transmission to slow you down when coming to a stop you not only save fuel but also brakes.
• Regular maintenance will keep your car working to its maximum efficiency.  Following the vehicle recommendations for oil and making certain that your filters are clean is important.  By doing this fuel economy will increase and emissions will decrease.
• It takes less energy to move your car if you keep the tires inflated properly and in proper alignment.  Proper tire inflation can equal a 3-5% savings in fuel.
• Driving at higher speeds with the windows down will decrease the vehicle aerodynamics.  You will use less fuel by keeping the windows rolled up and using the air conditioner.
• Putting luggage on your roof rack will disrupt the air flow over your car and reduce your fuel economy by as much as 5%.  Carrying extra weight in your car will cause a loss in fuel economy.  If you don’t need items in your car, remove them.
• By planning your daily routine you can consolidate errands and by doing so reduce the amount you need to use your car.

By applying these techniques we can reduce our fuel needs, help our environment, and have our cars last longer.  These steps will not only save us money; there will also be a reduction in exhaust emissions.

There are quite a few good websites that offer Eco-Driving and conservation tip’s to help us and the environment we live in.  Go to GOOGLE and do a search for Eco- Driving.

-Clark Volmar

Your vehicle is equipped with a sophisticated On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) system. This is what turns on your Check Engine Light, or MIL (Malfunction Indicator Lamp).

With the advent of diagnostic computers in vehicles the systems on automobiles have become more complicated.

The OBD system performs a series of “Self Tests” to determine whether all the systems are working as designed. A computer stores several hundred codes. A code is a number that is assigned to a circuit; any of these codes can turn on your Check Engine Light, or MIL Light.

Once the Check Engine Light, or MIL comes on, the computer goes into a back-up program designed to keep the car running and to protect the systems in the vehicle until you can get to your service facility.

Although the computer in your vehicle can help your technician, it cannot determine the source of the problem. Your technician must pick up where the computer leaves off.
Some of the testing procedures that need to be performed are simple and others are quite extensive, one to five hours, most are in between. When your service advisor contacts you that person will explain what procedures need to be performed to resolve the problem. It may well be that the cost of the time involved in finding and fixing the problem will be more than the cost of the part needed to fix it.

It is possible that there may be more than one code stored in the computer. Each circuit will have to be tested separately.

It is also possible that there is more than one problem in each circuit. When a problem is found it must be repaired before the technician can finish testing that circuit.

This entire process is further complicated by the fact that from year to year the manufacturers may change the testing process as they change the technology involved in developing a vehicle that is environmentally friendly.

Because of this technology the need for new testing equipment and updating software is ongoing. This equipment and updates are usually expensive.

-Clark Volmar