Page 22 - Explore Your AAA – AAA Southern Pennsylvania – Spring 2021

Automotive
Driving through a seemingly innocent hole in the road could result in costly car damage. Before you end up at the auto shop in need of suspension repair or wheel replacement, know the five best ways to avoid pothole damage.
1. CHECK TIRES
Frequently inspect your tires to ensure
they are properly inflated and do not have significant wear. If you hit a pothole with worn or underinflated tires, there is a greater risk of wheel or suspension damage. Inflate tires according to your vehicle manufacturer’s recommended tire pressure levels. Find this information on the door jamb sticker and in your owner’s manual. Do not use the pressure levels molded on the tire sidewall. To check the tire tread depth, insert a quarter upside down into several tread grooves. If the top
of Washington’s head is visible, it’s time for new tires.
2. INSPECT SUSPENSION
Make certain struts, shock absorbers and other suspension parts are in good condition. Changes in vehicle handling, excessive
The way you drive directly affects your fuel economy. Speeding and rapidly accelerating from a stop increases gas consumption, whereas planning an efficient drive and maintaining a consistent speed within the posted limit can help you go farther on a tankful. Follow these 10 tips to get better gas mileage. You just may make fewer gas station stops and save money too.
1. PLAN YOUR TRIPS
Map a route before you go to minimize unnecessary turnarounds and backtracking. Avoid peak traffic times. Combine errands and go to “one stop shops” where you can do multiple tasks (banking, shopping, etc.).
2. WATCH YOUR SPEED
Fuel economy peaks at around 50 mph on most cars, then drops off as speeds increase. Reducing highway speeds by 5 to 10 mph can increase fuel economy 7 to 14 percent.
3. DRIVE CONSERVATIVELY
Avoid “jack rabbit” starts, rapid acceleration and hard braking, which can lower fuel economy by 15 to 30 percent at highway speeds and 10 to 40 percent in stop-and-go traffic.
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vibration or uneven tire wear can indicate damaged or worn parts. Have a certified auto service technician inspect the suspension if you suspect a problem.
3. LOOK AHEAD
Stay alert and check the road ahead to avoid potholes. Stay focused on the road and avoid distractions. Before swerving around a pothole, check your surroundings so you do not collide with another vehicle or endanger nearby pedestrians or cyclists.
4. SLOW DOWN
If you cannot avoid a pothole, reduce your speed safely. Check the rearview mirror before braking abruptly. Hitting a pothole at higher speeds greatly increases the chance of tire, wheel and suspension component damage. Releasing the brakes just before hitting a pothole allows the wheel and tire to roll through the depression and helps minimize potential damage.
5. BEWARE OF PUDDLES
Drive cautiously through puddles as they may be deep potholes filled with water.
4. AVOID EXCESSIVE IDLING
A car engine consumes one quarter to one half gallon of fuel per hour when idling, but a warm engine only takes around 10 seconds worth of fuel to restart. Where safe to do so, shut off your engine if you will be stopped for more than a minute.
5. USE A “FAST PASS” ON TOLL ROADS
Having a pre-paid pass on toll roads allows you to use the express lane, saving fuel by minimizing or eliminating tollbooth slow- downs and stops.
6. AVOID RUSH HOUR
Take advantage of flex work hours to avoid commuting during peak traffic times.
7. ANTICIPATE ROAD CONDITIONS
Watch the traffic ahead and “time” stoplights to maintain momentum and avoid unnecessary stop and go.
8. USE CRUISE CONTROL
Driving at a consistent speed on the highway saves gas. However, never use cruise control on slippery roads as it could cause a loss of vehicle control.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU HIT A POTHOLE AND SUSPECT DAMAGE
Get a Vehicle Inspection. Hard pothole impact can knock the wheels out of alignment and affect steering, or dislodge wheel weights, damage a tire or wheel, and bend or even break suspension parts. Have a qualified mechanic check the wheel alignment if the vehicle pulls to the left or right. Have the suspension inspected if you notice any new
or unusual noises or vibrations.
9. SHIFT GEARS EFFICIENTLY
If your car has a manual transmission, upshift as soon as practical. When coming to a stop, use the brakes. Do not downshift to slow the car.
10. DRIVE TO WARM THE ENGINE
In cold temperatures, start the engine and then drive the car normally to warm the engine. Driving brings the engine to operating temperature more rapidly and thus, saves gas.
SPRING 2021