Vehicle Purchase
Vehicle Purchase FAQ
Do you have all titles on hand for your vehicles?
We do not always have titles on hand for vehicles that are placed for sale, titles
may be in transit from banks, from other dealerships, from the state, and a host
of other reasons for normal processing delays in title paperwork.
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We are a franchised new car and truck dealer in Colorado and guarantee clear titles
on all vehicles that we sell. Our dealership and staff are fully licensed and bonded.
Our professional staff is here to assist you with your titling needs. Ed Bozarth
is the largest Chevrolet dealer and Colorado and that means the movement of vehicles
and title are a constant at our dealership. If having title on hand is of critical
importance to you, please call to verify its disposition prior to contracting for
sale.
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What 'other' fees are there besides the purchase price?
The other fees include taxes, shipping and documentation charges. If you are purchasing
the vehicle and taking delivery at our dealership then you will not be charged shipping.
If you live in Colorado, taxes are based on where you live. State tax is 2.9% and
various cities, counties and local municipalities require that we collect additional
taxes. For instance parts of Denver, Colorado are now 8.1%. There
is a $499.99 Dealer and Handling charge which is added to the negotiated price of
each vehicle sold, for costs and additional profit to the seller/dealer for items
such as inspecting, cleaning, and adjusting new and pre-owned vehicles. If you live
in the Denver Metro area or a location that requires emissions testing there is
a $25.00 charge for an emission testing certificate. If we are filing a lien on
your behalf there is a $17.50 filing fee. These fees are fixed and non-negotiable.
This information is current as of time of original publishing please confirm amounts
and descriptions by calling the dealership prior to contracting for sale.
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How is shipping of the vehicle arranged, can I get a quote?
We are happy to handle all of the details of shipping your new vehicle to its new
home. Send an email to mailto:shipping@edbozarth.com with your zip code and the
car or truck you need to ship, we will get back to you with a firm quote on shipping.
Common shipping terms include:
- Need it Faster (/Get it Fast/) – *Need it Faster Shipping
via our Less Than Truck Load Transports. This option carries a _fully refundable_
fee of $125 if your vehicle is not picked up by the commitment date set by our
dispatcher. Be sure to ask your sales person for details.
- Open Carrier - You've seen these trucks, 10 cars on a truck,
running down the highway. This is the most economical way to transport, but
because of the risk of additional rock and element damage, many higher dollar
and specialty cars must be shipped enclosed carrier
- Enclosed Carrier - You vehicle will be transported in a
closed container, this eliminates the damage that can come from exposure to
the road and the elements, this is typically several hundred dollars more in
cost.
- Insurance - All vehicles are covered by insurance while
in transport, you will need to provide insurance once you take delivery of the
vehicle.
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What forms of payment do you accept?
We accept certified cashier checks drawn on US Banks in US funds. We also accept
financing checks from your local bank or credit union, we are also happy to arrange
financing for you.
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Do you do any financing?
Yes, We have Financing Rates starting as low as 3.9%
Ed Bozarth #1 Park Meadow
Chevrolet, Inc. offers nationwide financing. Just click on the above banner to fill
out our secure, on-line form and let us take care of the rest. We are also happy
to work with your local bank or credit union to get the paperwork processed and
your deal financed. In most cases it takes less than a day to get the paperwork
finished.
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I live out of state, how does the buying process work if I am paying cash?
Some of our online transactions involve selling and shipping vehicles out of state.
Here is the process broken down step by step:
Cash Purchase from Out of State
- 1. You agree to purchase a vehicle and provide a $500 credit card deposit
or you place the winning bid on eBay and make the $500 eBay deposit
- 2. We contact each other via email and phone to finalize the transaction
- 3. You FedEx certified funds for the remaining balance due plus any shipping
charges
- 4. When we receive your funds we ready the car for shipping, and deliver
it to the local shipping terminal if needed - Your new car is now on it's way
to you, typical delivery time is 7 to 14 days.
- 5. We send you duplicate copies of the bill of sale, one for you to keep,
and one for you to sign and return
- 6. When we receive the signed bill of sale, related paperwork and your funds
fully clear our bank, we FedEx all title documentation
- 7. You pickup your car at the destination terminal
- 8. Transaction Complete!
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I live out of state, how does the buying process work if I am getting financing
from my local credit union / bank?
Working with you bank:
- 1. You agree to purchase and provide a $500 credit card deposit or you place
the winning bid on eBay and make the $500 eBay deposit
- 2. We contact each other via email and phone to finalize the transaction
- 3. We fax all required paperwork to your bank, including copies of the Purchase
Order and Title documentation
- 4. Your bank sends certified funds for the remaining balance due
- 5. We FedEx your banking
institution the title to the vehicle
- 6. We send you duplicate copies of the bill of sale and related paperwork,
one for you to keep, and one for you to sign and return
- 7. When we receive your funds and they fully clear our bank we ready the
car for shipping, and deliver it to the local shipping terminal if needed -
Your new car is now on it's way to you, typical delivery time is 7 to 14 days.
- 8. You pickup your car at the destination terminal
- 9. Transaction Complete!
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I live out of state, but want to fly in and drive my new car back home.
Great! Please make arrangement to fly into Denver International airport. If you
let us know in advance, we can arrange to have the paperwork completed and arrange
to have you picked up at the airport.
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What about extended warranties?
To find out about the extended warranty service contracts offered for sale by Ed
Bozarth #1 Park Meadow Chevrolet, Inc. click here
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What type of service do you do to the cars before selling them?
All cars are professionally cleaned before sale. If there are any mechanical issues
noted during inspection, they are addressed before the car is sold. If Ed Bozarth
#1 Park Meadow Chevrolet, Inc. finds and an issue that we elect not to fix the vehicle
will be sold as-is. As-is vehicle should only be considered if you live in the Denver
Metro area and if you have solid mechanical knowledge. We expect that you fully
inspect as-is vehicles since they do have known mechanical issues.
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How do I know the car is in the condition stated?
We are experts in the auto business and have personally inspected thousands of vehicles.
We do our best to point out the shortcomings in the cars and trucks that we sell.
If you are interested in an extended warranty for your new car or truck purchase,
please click here for details. State laws of Colorado will govern all online sales.
All information is gathered from sources that are believed to be reliable, but no
assurance can be given that this information is complete and neither Ed Bozarth
#1 Park Meadow Chevrolet, Inc.. nor its suppliers assume any responsibility for
errors or omissions or warrant the accuracy of this information. All information
subject to change and provided for information purposes only.
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Service
Service FAQ
When do I need to change my oil?
We get asked this question a lot and the truth is it depends on a lot of factors.
For several years, vehicle manufacturers have been recommending extended oil
changes, rather than the more common 3,000 mile changes.
General Motors and Ed Bozarth #1 Park Meadow Chevrolet support a simplied
maintenance strategy as described below.
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YOUR OIL LIFE SENSOR AND SIMPLIFIED MAINTENCE
If you're a GM owner and your vehicle is equipped with the GM Oil Life System
(OLS), you can use the Simplified Maintenance plan to save time, money and oil.
The plan calls for you to visit a GM Goodwrench dealership, such as Ed Bozarth #1
Park Meadow Chevrolet, Inc. only when your "Change Oil" light comes on, instead
of every 3,000 miles. This also saves environmental waste that can result from too
frequent oil changes.
The longer oil change recommendations are largely based on used oil analysis.
The oil is run for an extended interval and then checked for signs of oil breakdown
and metal particulates. It is true that the oil is not fully worn out, even at the
longer intervals. There are many viewpoints, however we believe we can save you
money and help the environment by increasing the duration between oil changes.
Just remember to stop by every 3,000 miles for a courtesy pit stop where we will
perform a quick visual inspection on the service drive in a matter of a couple minutes
to make sure that your vehicle is in proper running order.
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Are Synthetic Oils better and are they worth the extra money?
Synthetic oils are becoming more common and some
cars even require them to maintain the new car warranty. (Corvette and Cadillac
engines are built for synthetic oils to name a few.) With the increased protection
they provide compared to the $30 to $40 extra they cost per oil change, we believe
they are well worth it. As the average drivers are only needing to change
their oil two to four times a year, they cost is not too hard to justify.
Synthetic motor oils can be a good choice for high output, turbocharged or
supercharged engines, vehicles that are used for towing (especially during hot weather),
or vehicles that are operated in extremely cold or hot climates.
Synthetic motor oils, though several times more expensive than mineral-based motor
oils, can improve fuel economy and provide longer intervals between changes. They
also provide instant lubrication on start-up.
If you’re driving habits have you driving in any extreme conditions, consider
upgrading at your next service.
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I have a busy schedule and quick lubes are just as good for a simple oil
change aren’t they?
There is a big difference between a professional
repair shop and a quick lube, in fact changing the oil is only a small part of this
essential maintenance service and you would be amazed how often we see BIG mistakes
made by inexperienced quick lube employees on this “simple service”. Did we
mention that our oil service is only $29.99 so why pay more for less service elsewhere.
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Do those fuel additives really improve fuel economy?
The reality is that modern engines use the fuel they burn so efficiently that
an additive can’t possibly make a measurable improvement in your fuel economy.
If you were to look at the tailpipe emissions of a modern car you would find almost
zero leftover fuel coming out, if nearly 100% of the fuel is burned up, how could
an additive improve that? The US FTC has tested well over 100 advertised fuel savings
devices and has not found any devices that significantly improve fuel economy:
http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/autos/aut10.shtm
Save your money and just maintain your car properly, that will pay off in
long run.
Can I change the size of the tires on my vehicle?
Most manufacturers do not recommend this unless it is stated in
the owner's manual
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What do the sidewall markings on my tire mean?
These markings indicate the tire size, ratings, and specs.
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Do warranty repairs have to be done at Ed Bozarth #1 Park Meadow Chevrolet,
Inc?
They must be done at manufacturer's dealership, such as Ed Bozarth #1 Park Meadow
Chevrolet.
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Does my regular maintenance have to be done at the dealership where I purchased
my vehicle?
Our dealership offers you ASE certified technicians for all makes and models.
Your vehicle can be serviced by us whether or not you purchased the vehicle at Ed
Bozarth #1 Park Meadow Chevrolet, Inc.
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DO I NEED NEW TIRES?
It is important to check your tires at least once a month to determine if
they are safe to drive on, in need of service or replacement. If you think your
vehicle may need new tires, the simple procedures below will help you decide. If
you find that your tire is flat from a nail or puncture, then there is a chance
it can be repaired. The chances for repair are highest when:
1. The damaged tire has not been driven on while flat.
2. The damage is on the tread part of the tire (the part that comes in contact with
the road).
3. The puncture is less than 1/4 inch.
If you have any questions about whether your tire can be repaired, stop by
any Ed Bozarth #1 Park Meadow Chevrolet, Inc. and have one of our tire technicians
inspect it. Worn down tires are not only unsafe, they are against the law! The minimum
legal tire tread depth is 2/32 inch. In wet driving conditions, 4/32 inch or less
tread depth means there is a high risk of significant loss of wet traction. This
means your vehicle is more likely to slide or hydroplane on wet roads, putting the
safety of you and your passengers at risk. Below are two ways to check for worn
tires.
1. The Penny Test
To test if the tread is worn out, place a penny into the most shallow tread groove
with Lincoln's head down. If the top of his head remains visible, then the tire
should be replaced.
2. Look for wear bars.
Wear bars are narrow bands that appear in the grooves across the tread of the tire.
When the wear bars are even with the tread depth, only 2/32-inch of tread remains.
If you can see the wear bars, it's time to replace the tire.
How do you know if you need new tires?
Tire wear depends on several factors, including your driving style and tire maintenance
habits. Wrong size load and speed rating can void your warranty. But one sure way
to know when to replace your tires is when treadwear indicators appear. A tire's
built-in treadwear indicators are "wear bars" that look like narrow strips of smooth
rubber across the tread and appear when it's time to replace the tire.
You also need a new tire if:
You can see three or more treadwear indicators around the tire
Cord or fabric is showing through the rubber
The tread or sidewall is cracked, cut or snagged deep enough to show cord
or fabric
The tire has a bulge or split
The tire has a puncture, cut, or other damage that can't be repaired correctly
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HOW MANY TIRES DO I NEED?
Once you check your tires for wear
and tear, you can determine how many you need to replace. If you are only replacing
one or two tires, see the tips below to make sure you choose the right size and
quality.
Replacing 1 Tire
Replace with exact brand, line, speed rating and load capacity of the other three
tires. If you use a different tire, you may be more likely to encounter poor handling,
pulling and instability.
Replacing 2 Tires
Replace with the same- or better-quality tires. Also, make sure the new tires are
mounted on the rear. Why? New tires have deeper tread with greater hydroplaning
resistance, so they can grip wet roads better than older tires. You can steer to
compensate for the lower wet traction of the worn front tires and safely stay in
control of your vehicle.
Replacing 4 Tires
You have a ton of options! This is the best-case scenario because you can change
the size and quality of all your tires to suit your vehicle and your driving needs.
What does the TPS light mean?
This stands for tire pressure monitoring system. A light will display
in the dash when pressure is less than the manufacturer's recommendation.
Do I need winter tires?
This depends on your tires, your preferences, and your driving
habits.
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How often should
I rotate my tires?
Your tires should be rotated every other oil change. Neglecting to rotate
your tires is major causes of premature tire wear and fuel inefficiency.
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What does it mean if my "check engine" or "service engine soon" light comes
on?
There are many sensors and computerized components that manage your vehicle’s engine
performance and emissions. When one of these fails, the "check engine" light is
illuminated. Although your car may seem to run fine, it is important to have the
issue addressed to prevent long-term problems.
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How soon should I schedule service if my service engine soon light come
on?
Most problems can be scheduled when convenient and repaired as soon as possible.
If the light is flashing, the car should not be driven until repaired. With the
light flashing, the Catalytic Converter can be damaged. Always refer to the manufacturer
owner’s manual if in question.
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What should I do if my car starts to overheat?
This is a very serious problem – if your car overheats for too
long, you can damage your engine. As soon as possible, find a safe place to pull
off the road and shut the engine off! Do not attempt to check the fluid level in
the radiator as it can burn you. The best thing to do is have your car towed to
a repair shop.
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How to make sure my car battery has a good electrical connection?
Battery cables and terminals should also be cleaned and inspected
to make sure they provide a good electrical connection.
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I need to replace a burned out fuse, what should I do?
Always replace burned-out fuses with ones of the same amperage (printed on the fuse)
and note that if a fuse continues to "blow," you should have the circuit checked
professionally by one of our technicians for defects.
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How often should I check my tires?
Properly inflated tires last longer and get better gas mileage. It's a good
idea to check the tires once a month.
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How can I improve the gas mileage of my vehicle?
Keep tires to proper inflation, keep air filters and fuel filters clean, and
try to have the injectors cleaned every 50,000 miles. Well tuned cars get better
gas mileage.
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What dashboard lights should I worry about and which are just precautions?
Every dashboard light is responsible for notifying the owner
of issues that need to be addressed. If any of the following lights are lit you
need to have your vehicle looked at: Engine light, Oil light, ABS light, Traction
light, Tire Pressure light.
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With the change of the season and the temperatures, do I need to have mycar
checked?
It is a good idea to have your coolant checked to determine its freezing and boiling
points to verify whether it needs to be changed. Have your air conditioner
tested before the summer heats up, it is cheaper to fix before the season gets started.
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What are your regular hours of operation?
Mondays - Fridays
7:00 am – 6:00 pm
Saturday’s
8:00 am – 4:00 pm
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Can I drop my vehicle off after business hours?
Yes, we have a key drop box attached to the service drive door in the front
of the dealership where you can leave your key and instructions for servicing your
vehicle.
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How to make sure my car battery has a good electrical connection?
Battery cables and terminals should also be cleaned and inspected
to make sure they provide a good electrical connection.
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IS MY CAR OPERATING NORMALLY?
Why do my brakes make a squealing noise sometimes in the morning?
This is caused by rust from moisture on rotors. If this persists give our
service department a call at (303)754-0123.
My check engine light is on. What should I do?
Call Ed Bozarth #1 Park Meadow Chevrolet, Inc. immediately. Our phone number
is (303) 754-0123. It could be a simple problem to fix, left
alone it may become major, don't ignore this light!
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What is that
milky brown engine oil?
Milky brown engine oil is an indication of coolant in the oil. This can be caused
by a blown head gasket (other gasket), a failed transmission cooler, or cracked
casings. This condition is very serious and needs to be checked by a professional
technician quickly.
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My vehicle is pulling to one side. What should I do?
The problem may be a low tire on an alignment issue. Radial tires can create
a pulling problem with wear. Cross the front tires first to see if pulling changes
sides or goes away.
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I hear an intermittent noise from the front of my car. Do I need to worry
about it?
Every noise should be checked by a qualified technician.
Use you best judgment, if it sounds bad, get it checked right away. Quick
action on a problem can many times save big dollars.
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I have a leak under my car. How can I tell what is leaking?
The coloring of the liquid identifies the type of liquid.
Coolant Fluid is orange or green, Engine fluid is Brown or Black, Transmission Fluid
is Red or Pink, Power Steering Fluid is Light Brown, Differential Fluid- Brown.
depending on the leak it could mean trouble, don't wait until it's too late!
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LEAKS
Leaking Fluid- TRANSMISSION FLUID
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Transmission fluid is typically red, although the color can be a milky
pink color if it becomes contaminated. Some transmission fluid of
certain vehicles may be clear or amber in color. If you have a front-wheel-drive
vehicle, then your transmission is next to the side of your engine underneath
the hood. If you have a rear-wheel-drive vehicle, then your transmission
is located in the center of your vehicle just under the dash under that
"hump" in the center. If the color of your transmission fluid appears
to be brown, then this would indicate that the fluid has overheated and
should be changed as soon as possible.
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Leaking Fluids- ANTIFREEZE/ COOLANT
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Engine antifreeze/ coolant can be either green, yellow, or red depending
on the the type used by the vehicle manufacturer. Most vehicles have
a radiator located just behind the grill. This fluid has a sweet smell
to it. Not enough antifreeze/ coolant will cause the engine to overheat.
There is usually an "overflow" or "fill" tank where you can add anitfreeze/
coolant. Using just water reduces (or dilutes) the heat transfer properties
of the antifreeze/ coolant. A 50/50 mix of distilled water and antifreeze/
coolant is generally recommended.
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Leaking Fluids- BATTERY ACID
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Battery acid is a clear fluid that contains sulfuric acid and will
smell like rotten eggs. A leak would typically indicate that your
battery casing is cracked and the battery should be replaced immediately.
Since battery acid is corrosive, any contact with skin should be washed
and flushed with water as soon as possible.
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Leaking Fluids- BRAKE FLUID
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Brake fluid is generally clear and oily to the touch. When you
depress the brake pedal, brake lines allow the brake fluid to be pushed
through to each of the four wheels containing a stopping device- either
a brake caliper or a wheel cylinder. So any number of leaks could
appear almost anywhere a weakness may exsist in the system. While
leakage of the brake system is rare, you'll likely feel a soft or spongy
brake pedal feel when peressing the brakes, which can lead to brake failure
if not corrected immediately.
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Leaking Fluids- CLEAR WATER
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If the fluid looks like clear water, it probably is. Since most vehicles
today are equipped with air conditioning, you'll likely notice drips or
puddles from underneath the engine compartment. This is okay, since
this water is condensation from the air conditioning system. This
is the best fluid to see under your vehicle.
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Leaking Fluids- DIESEL FUEL
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Diesel fuel looks like light oil. While not as flammable as
gasoline, it can ignite in the right conditions. Leaks should be taken
care of as soon as possible.
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Leaking Fluids- ENGINE OIL
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Engine oil is typically dark brown or black in color. At times,
you might see a few drops here and there and this might be okay if you recently
have had your oil and filter changed or performed this service yourself.
This can largely be attributed to the location of the oil filter on the
engine, and some old oil may have dripped upon some of the vehicle chassis
or a small amount may have been spilled onto the engine when dispensing
the new oil. While a few drops shortly after an oil change might be okay,
you want to make sure that puddles of oil do not occur.
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Leaking Fluids- GASOLINE
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Gasoline is a clear fluid with a strong smell and is oviously highly
flammable. Gasoline is stored in the gas tank usually located a the
rear of your vehicle. Leaks can occur if you bottom out your vehicle,
causing damage to the gas tank. There are also fuel lines that run
underneath the vehicle up to the engine. Leaks can also occur within
the fuel line (rare), but are most likely to occur at connection points.
Gasoline leaks should be repaired immediately because they are a fire hazard.
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Leaking Fluids- GEAR OIL
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Gear oil is light tan or black and is considered "heavy" or thick
oil. Leaks can occur in your manual transmission, differential (rear-end
on rear-wheel-drive vehicles) or axle. Since gear oil is used widely among
certin components, a gear oil leak may be present at a number of locations
underneath a vehicle. Any leaks should be repaired as soon as possible.
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Leaking Fluids- POWER STEERING FLUID
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Power Steering fluid is generally red, although some vehicle manufacturers
may use a fluid that is almost clear or amber. The power steering
reservior is typically mounted with the power steering pump, which is driven
by a belt on the engine. Leaks generally occur within the power steering
lines.
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Leaking Fluids- SHOCK AND STRUT FLUID
Shock and strut fluid is typically a dark brown. Shocks and
struts can "ooze" their fluid and this will be evident by a stain on the
outside of the shock or strut housing. There is no refilling of this
fluid so they must be replaced (usually in pairs or all four at the same
time).
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Leaking Fluids- WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID
Pink or blue fluid would indicate that your windshield washer reservior
is leaking. For the front windshield, this reservior is under the
hood in the engine compartment. For vehicles with rear wipers, it's
usually mounted behind a panel in the rear left or right side of SUV's and
vans.
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Leaking Fluids – WE CAN HELP
If you notice any fluid stains or puddles underneath your vehicle,
then it might be a good idea to have it checked in the near future.
There are a number of fluids that can leak from your vehicle, with
many of them leading to a possible breakdown and expensive repair if neglected.
Remember, your vehicle is a machine. Becoming familiar with the type
of fluids your machine requires to operate properly will help you know what
kind of fluid leak that you might be experiencing and what system may be
affected by the leak.
Some leaks are obvious, while others may play "hide and seek" with
you. Knowing what to look for and where to look can help you avoid
a costly repair, as long as you find it in time. On the following
pages are some helpful hints about the type of fluids used in today's vehicle,
as well as various colors and other characteristics to help you identify
them.
TIP: If you can't find the location of the leak on your vehicle, place
fresh newspapers under the vehicles overnight and check them in the morning.
Bring your vehicle and the newspapers with the fluid back to us so that
we can identify and locate the leak.
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A GUIDE TO UNDERSTANDING YOUR AUTOMOBILE
Engine coolant
Water and antifreeze keep your engine from overheating and freezing during extreme
temperatures. Intervals for flushing the system and replacing coolant vary, as some
manufacturers promise long lasting antifreeze good past 100,000 miles. A general
timeframe would be every few years or 30,000 to 40,000 miles.
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Spark plugs
Older vehicles required the replacement or adjustment of spark plugs much more often
than new vehicles do. Manufacturers today promise over 100,000 miles before a tune-up
that includes changing the plugs. Still, checking the plugs at 50,000 to 60,000
miles is not a bad idea.
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Air filter
The interval for changing the filter depends on the quality of filter, type of vehicle
and environment in which most driving occurs. Traveling on dirt roads will surely
clog a filter faster than paved highways. Also, local pollution can determine filter
life.
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Battery
Again, the interval of changing a battery depends on the type of battery, type of
vehicle and local climate. Super cold regions may require a more powerful battery
for cold starting. Also, rechargeable batteries that have completely lost their
charge at some point often never reach full potential again.
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Hoses/belts/general pathways
During scheduled maintenance it's a good idea to inspect all hoses, belts and other
connections under the hood to be sure everything is in good shape and properly attached.
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Windshield wipers
Wipers need to be replaced, especially in climates with ice and snow. Sometimes
just the blade needs replacing, while other times the entire wiper unit should go.
Some customers may choose different types of wipers for better performance.
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Brakes
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Like tires, brake life depends heavily on driving style. Lots of stressful
braking will significantly shorten the life. Replacement requires new pads
and sometimes, new rotors. There are many ways to restore your gas mileage
and get even better gas mileage. Some of these include having certain
preventive maintenance services, while others incorporate driving habits
that promote conservation of fuel.
AUTOMOTIVE TIPS
Here are some highlights:
- Regularly have your vehicle serviced- at minimum what your
vehicle manufacturer recommends.
- Allow us to design a preventive maintenance program for each
of your vehicles- we'll let you know what you need when it's needed.
- Make sure your tires are inflated to the proper air pressure.
- Use the proper fuel for your vehicle.
- Have us check your oxygen sensors to make sure they are in
working order.
- Avoid hard acceleration and fast stops- try to gradually accelerate
and decelerate.
- Use your cruise control when traveling for long periods of
time and not in heavy traffic.
- Try to combine some short trips wherever possible and plan
your routes to save time.
- If you think you're going to be idling for a while, consider
turning of the engine.
TEN WAYS YOU CAN SAVE GAS
1. Go the speed limit. Use cruise control.
Speed limits are calculated for maximum safety – they'll also reward you
with maximum gas mileage. You can get up to 20 percent more mileage traveling
55 mph than 70 mph. Using cruise control provides additional gas savings.
2. Drive evenly. Avoid hard stops.
Quick starts burn gas while hard stops also cost you. Take your foot off
the accelerator and coast a bit before stopping for a traffic light or a
stop sign.
3. Avoid idling and rush hour traffic.
You're burning fuel while idling – up to a gallon every hour. So, avoid
rush hour traffic when possible.
4. Open windows at slow speeds. Use A/C on highways.
Around town, turn your air conditioning off and roll down the windows. On
the highway, open windows create drag at speeds of 40 mph or more, so roll
them up and use the air.
5. Remove junk from the trunk.
Added weight in your vehicle affects fuel economy, so take unnecessary items
out of your trunk.
6. Fill up when it's cool and before holidays.
Cooler temperatures in the early morning or late evening create less vapor.
Also, getting a fill-up three days before a holiday will help you save on
the per-gallon price at the pump.
7. Don't top off gas and tighten the cap.
When buying gas, stop when the pump shuts off automatically. And remember,
your tank needs both fuel and fumes, so tighten the gas cap after every
fill-up.
8. Use the correct fuel grade.
Use the fuel grade recommended by your vehicle manufacturer. In addition,
TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline is even better for your vehicle. It is a class
of gasoline with enhanced detergency, that exceed detergent requirements
imposed by the EPA. It meets voluntary deposit control standards developed
by four automotive companies, including General Motors. TOP TIER gasoline
retailers include:
Chevron
Conoco
Phillips
QuikTrip
76
Shell
Texaco
Chevron-Canada
Shell-Canada
Petro-Canada
Sunoco-Canada
Entec Stations
MFA Oil Company
Kwik Trip/Kwik Star
The Somerset Refinery, Inc.
Aloha Petroleum
Tri-Par Oil Company
Turkey Hill
Mileage (Severson Oil Co.)
9. Don't accelerate up hill.
Build up speed before an incline, and then maintain it on the way up. Coast
on the way down for additional fuel economy.
10. Avoid rooftop carriers.
Approximately one quarter of each gallon of gas is needed to overcome wind
resistance, so avoid carrying things on your roof. If necessary, use an
aerodynamic carrier to help minimize drag.
TIRE PRESSURE
Maximize your tires' performance and durability by monitoring and maintaining
correct air pressure.
Air is a gas, expanding when heated and contracting when cooled. For most
of North America, fall and early winter are especially important times for
checking tire pressure – as the ambient temperature falls, tire pressure
goes down.
A good rule of thumb is that every 10 degrees Fahrenheit temperature change,
tire pressure changes about 1 psi - higher as temperature rise, lower as
they fall. Also, check your vehicle's Owner's Manual for recommended tire
pressure.
Under-inflated tires can cause:
Premature or irregular wear
Poor handling
Reduced fuel economy
Over-inflated tires can cause:
Unusual wear
Poor handling
Reduced fuel economy
Checking Air Pressure
Check your vehicle's tires at least once a month, when the tires are cold
(let the vehicle sit for at least 3 hours). Look in your owner's manual
for the recommended tire inflation for your vehicle. Use a quality gauge.
Don't "eyeball" tires – radial tires can look fine even when they're under-inflated.
Be sure to look for objects that have become wedged in the tread – they
can work themselves further into the tire and cause air loss.
And don't forget to check the spare!
UNDERSTANDING AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR TERMINOLOGY
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Brakes
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Description
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Brake fade
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Stopping distance seems to increase, causing longer braking distance, similar
to braking at high speeds
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Low brake pedal
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Brake pedal must be pushed unusually far to engage brakes
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Brake pedal pulsation
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Brake pedal fluctuates while brakes are applied
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Grabs
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Vehicle has a tendency to move right or left when brakes are applied; brakes
engage suddenly when applying steady pressure to brake pedal
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Engine
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Description
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Cuts out
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Temporary complete loss of power. Engine quits at irregular intervals. May
occur repeatedly or intermittently, usually under heavy acceleration.
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Detonation
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Mild to severe pings, usually worse under acceleration. Sounds like popcorn
popping.
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Dieseling
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Engine runs after ignition switch is turned off. Runs unevenly and may make
knocking noises.
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Hesitation
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Momentary lack of response as accelerator is pressed. Can occur at any speed.
Usually most severe when starting from complete stop. May cause engine to
stall.
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Miss
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Pulsation or jerking that changes with engine speed. Exhaust has a steady
spitting sound at idle or low speed. Not normally felt above 30 mph.
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Rough idle
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Engine runs unevenly at idle. Car may also shake.
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Sluggish
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Engine delivers limited power under load or at high speed. Won't accelerate
as fast as normal. Loses speed going up hills. Vehicle has less speed than
normal.
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Spongy
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Little or no increase in speed when accelerator is pushed down. Continuing
to push pedal down will eventually give an increase in speed.
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Stall
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Engine stops running or dies out. May occur at idle or while driving.
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Surge
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Vehicle speeds up and slows down with no change on accelerator pedal. Can
occur at any speed.
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Steering & Handling
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Description
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Bottoming
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Suspension moves to extreme end of travel and hits compression bumpers.
Feels like a heavy thud.
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Excessive play
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Steering wheel must be turned unusually far before vehicle responds.
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Hard steering
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Vehicle difficult to steer, especially during parking situations or when
first started.
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Pulls
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Vehicle moves to one side when steering wheel is released.
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Shimmy
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Rapid side-to-side motion of both front wheels felt in steering wheel.
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Sway/pitching
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Mushy or spongy ride; vehicle takes a long time to recover from bumps in
the road.
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Vibration
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Vehicle shakes.
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Wanders
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Vehicle meanders, requiring frequent steering adjustments to maintain direction.
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Odors & Stains
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Description
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Antifreeze or coolant leak
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Sweet odor, usually accompanied by steam from under the hood.
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Axle leaks
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Black stains with heavy, thick consistency.
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Burning oil
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Thick, heavy odor, sometimes accompanied by smoke from under the hood or
from the exhaust
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Coolant streaks
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Yellow, green, pink, or orange stains that are lighter and thinner than
oil.
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Crankcase, oil, power-steering fluid leaks
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Brownish stains
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Electrical short
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Acrid odor, like burned toast
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Emission
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Contigious, heavy sulfur odor like rotten eggs
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Overheated brakes or clutch
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Burning rubber odor
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Overheating
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Hot, metallic odor usually accompanied by antifreeze/coolant odor.
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Transmission oil leaks
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Reddish stains
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