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10 ways to save money on your gas bill

July 3rd, 2010

I have Yahoo set as my home page, Yahoo Autos is a great source of information about your automotive care and needs. Here are a few tips from Russell McLendon of Mother Nature Network to save money on gasoline. At Tom Sparks Auto we can keep your vehicle running in tip top shape to save every penny possible this summer driving season. Give us a call for any automtive need. 815.739.6054

1) Slow and steady wins the race
Gasoline mileage drops off in most cars once you’re going faster than about 60 mph (see chart at left). For every 5 mph you drive over 60 mph, you’re essentially paying an extra 24 cents per gallon of gas.

Try using cruise control on interstates and other highways to maintain a constant speed. It can also help to use your car’s overdrive gears, which save fuel and engine wear by reducing your speed.

2) Be cool in traffic
Aggressive driving — speeding, swerving, sudden acceleration and braking — is not only dangerous, it can lower your gas mileage 33 percent on highways and 5 percent on city streets. Revving your engine while stopped is even more wasteful.

3) But not too cool
Air conditioning can be a big drain on gasoline, so make sure you don’t just leave it on absentmindedly, and certainly don’t leave it on while windows are open, even if they’re just cracked. You can improve your fuel efficiency in stop-and-go traffic by turning off the A/C and rolling down the windows instead, but that’s not necessarily always the best idea.

When driving above 55 mph, especially for long periods on highways, the opposite is true — open windows make a vehicle less aerodynamic by letting in air, which increases air resistance and decreases fuel efficiency. On long road trips, using air conditioning could actually improve your mileage by up to 20 percent.

4) Don’t just sit there
On top of pointlessly pumping out greenhouse gases without actually getting you anywhere, idling automobiles also contribute to ground-level ozone, airborne particulate matter, and other near-surface air pollution. These emissions can aggravate asthma and even hinder breathing in otherwise healthy people, especially children and the elderly.

If you’re just idling to warm up your car in winter, it still only needs to run about a minute. Anything beyond that is just wasting gas.

5) Stay in tune
Fixing a car that needs a tune-up or has failed an emissions test can improve its fuel efficiency by an average of 4 percent. More serious problems, like a faulty oxygen sensor, can reduce mileage by up to 40 percent.

And don’t forget to get an oil change roughly every 3,000-5,000 miles or three months – 6 months, whichever comes first (or you could look into installing an Electro-Lube Oil Refiner, which reportedly eliminates the need for oil changes while boosting efficiency 3 to 4 percent).

6) Get pumped
Keeping a car’s tires properly inflated can improve fuel efficiency by about 3.3 percent. It’s also safer and lengthens the lifespan of your tires, since under-inflated tires lose their tread quickly in addition to wasting fuel. Regular checkups for your tires’ alignment and balance aren’t a bad idea, either.

7) Take a load off
While it mainly affects smaller cars, carrying extra weight means burning extra gasoline, no matter how big your vehicle is. On average, you may be cutting your fuel efficiency by up to 2 percent for every 100 extra pounds you haul.

8) Develop motor skills
Using the manufacturer’s recommended grade of motor oil can boost mileage by 1 to 2 percent. Try to also use the lowest grade of gasoline that’s appropriate for your car, since high-octane grades cost several cents more per gallon.

Check your owner’s manual to be sure, but as long as your engine doesn’t start knocking, you’re probably OK. Switching from premium to regular gasoline would save hundreds of dollars every year.

9) There’s a cap for that
Gasoline can evaporate from a vehicle’s fuel tank if it’s able to find an opening, which is bad for your wallet and your lungs. Make sure your gas tank’s cap is tightened securely after you fill up, and if the cap’s threading is stripped or it fits too loosely, you might want to buy a new one.

10) Join the masses
Carpool or, even better, don’t take a car at all — walk, ride a bike, or take mass transit. It saves you money, improves your personal health, and helps the planet by keeping greenhouse gases out of its atmosphere.

Tom Sparks Auto is the premier Used Car Dealership in Dekalb-Sycamore IL. We are located in Dekalb, Illinois but we serve all of Northern IL and Chicago. We even offer FREE transportation to and from Chicago Airports. The cities we serve include Hinckley, Rochelle, Rockford, St Charles, Elgin, Waterman, Shabbona, Malta, and anyone looking for Worry-Free Car Buying in the states of Illinois, Iowa, Wisconsin! At Tom Sparks Automotive we have many Used Cars to choose from including Buick, Pontiac, GMC, Nissan, Toyota, Honda, Ford, Chevrolet, Dodge, Hyundai and Kia. For more information about Tom Sparks, please visit https://www.tomsparks.com

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Dear Car Shopper, May I Talk To You?

June 17th, 2010

Are you or a family member looking for the perfect vehicle?

At Tom Sparks Auto, we care about your total customer satisfaction. If you or a family member are thinking about finding the perfect vehicle that fits your needs, know that I am here to assist you in any way you need.

For instance, many of my customers have concerns over the price and financing rates of vehicles before they visit. I understand that this is important to everyone when car-shopping. You are not alone.

My hopes are that you find the perfect fit with a great price, reliable product, and comfortable payment. I am sure that is your hope as well. Give me a call when you get the chance and I will personally do my best to make this an easy, perfect experience for you.

I’ve been with Tom Sparks Auto for 17 years and I’ve dedicated myself to making shopping for a vehicle with us a hassle-free and very pleasant experience. Our cars and trucks are “best buys”, know that if it isn’t exactly what you are looking for, I have many other vehicles at my fingertips and want to assist you one way or the other. Please give me a call at 815-739-6054 as our inventory changes daily. I want to make sure I am personally here to help you when you arrive.

After our multi-point safety and mechanical inspection, we give the vehicles a full detail so the vehicle is ready and waiting for you to see at any time. However, it is not just the vehicles we sell that make Tom Sparks the smart choice, it is our great reputation for helping people. Please call or email if you or someone you know are in the market for a car truck or van. I’m looking forward to helping in you in the future.