3 Simple Maintenance Tips for the Most Fuel Efficient Cars

Today’s vehicles are pretty easy to take care of and maintain. Put some air in the tires, get regular oil changes and tune ups and you’re good to go. Both of those tasks also go pretty far in creating a more fuel efficient car. But if you really want to maximize your dollars at the gas pump, here are three lesser-known maintenance tips that people tend to overlook:

1. Use the right oil. Whether you take your car for an oil change, or you change it yourself, be sure it’s getting the grade of motor oil recommended in your owner’s manual. For example, using 10W-30 motor oil in an engine designed to use 5W-30 can lower your gas mileage by one to two percent. Choosing a motor oil with additives that reduce friction also creates a more fuel efficient car. Just look for the American Petroleum Institute’s ( API) "Energy Conserving" symbol on the bottle.

2. Let your car breathe. A recent study conducted for the U.S. Department of Energy found that a clogged air filter can reduce gas mileage in older cars with carbureted engines by as much as 14 percent. While replacing clogged air filters on newer cars doesn’t necessarily improve MPG significantly, it can improve acceleration time.

3. Don’t scrimp on parts. When it comes to your engine, something as simple as spark plugs make a big difference. A dirty, worn out or inferior spark plug can cause inconsistent firing, which may result in reduced performance and a less fuel efficient car. Choose parts designed specifically for your vehicle’s engine that are approved by the manufacturer.

But having the most fuel efficient car isn’t all about the maintenance. Your driving habits can also help. Planning ahead and combining trips can go a long way in saving you money at the pump. Also, be sure to avoid aggressive tactics like speeding and stop-and-go driving, which reduce fuel efficiency.

Courtesy of Toyota

Les C. has earned this awesome review on DealerRater! Keep up the great work!

"I have never had a salesman as considerate and helpful as Mr. Les Cruz was. He could not do enough for us. He worked very hard to meet our demands and gave us a very good experience with North Hills Toyota. I certainly would buy another car from them and would want Mr. Les Cruz as my salesman." -DealerRater User

To read all of our reviews, click here: http://bit.ly/17etixn

New Tires Special

Prepare your Toyota for summer's road trips with our New Tires Special. Buy three new tires and get the fourth for only $1! Click here for more details and don't forget to check out all of our service specials: http://bit.ly/10PXxL3

Mary: Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid Test-Drive

Keep Your Toyota A Toyota - The Obvious Choice - Accountant

See how our team of hyper-caring experts can keep your Toyota exactly the way it was meant to be.

Maintenance Tip: Be patient during the break-in period

You’ve bought your dream car and now you want to make it last at long as possible in top condition. Here are some things to remember as you pull it out of the dealer’s lot:

• During the break-in period, typically the first 1,000 miles (1,600 km), keep your speed under 55 mph (88 kpm) or to the speed recommended by your car’s manufacturer.
• Avoid heavy loads on the drive train, such as towing trailers, and loading the roof rack or trunk with heavy construction materials.
• Do not allow your new car to idle for long periods — this is good advice for the life of your car, but especially during breakin. The oil pressure generated by doing so may not be sending oil to every part of your engine.
• Use only light to medium acceleration, keeping the engine rpms below 3,000 for the first few hours of driving.

Courtesy of Reader's Digest

We just received this fantastic review on DealerRater!

"Everyone was so friendly and it was just a great environment to be in. I recommend it to everyone." To read MORE, be sure to visit our review page: http://bit.ly/17etixn