Car Care Tips

High gas prices in Alberta increase the cost of living for Alberta drivers. You've probably budgeted a certain amount for vehicle related expenses. Increased fuel costs now consume a larger portion of our incomes, causing some Calgary and Okotoks vehicle owners to skimp in other areas – like scheduled maintenance.

According to Calgary and Okotoks news reports and automotive industry studies, this is becoming increasingly more common. In fact, nine out of ten personal vehicles on the road have at least one maintenance or repair item that hasn't been done. Some of these items pose serious safety risks. Others are just more likely to make it more expensive to drive.

In this area, we can take a lesson from professional vehicle owners. I'm talking about fleet owners and operators. You know, Calgary/ folks like the trucking companies and delivery services. Because their livelihood depends on it, they have gotten scheduled maintenance down to a science. And the last thing they skimp on is regular maintenance.

Why is that? Well, for one thing they know that routine maintenance prevents expensive repairs and costly breakdowns. They also know that a well-maintained vehicle uses less fuel. For them, even a small decrease in fuel efficiency may put their business in the red.

So what does this mean to Calgary/Okotoks drivers? Well, there's a 90 percent chance that you're missing some service that would improve your fuel economy. Here's a quick reminder list:

Fuel system cleaning, transmission service, differential service, engine air filter, and oil change.
Ring any bells? Can most Calgary/Okotoks vehicle owners honestly say that there isn't at least one thing on the list that hasn't been done?

So catch up on those services you've been neglecting at Lube Town. Get a couple done now and a couple next time. Chances are you'll save a lot of money at Calgary/Okotoks gas pumps this year – and a lot more on repairs in years to come.