Checking Out the Basic Things of Your Car
Here are a few tips on how to save fuel:
If you drive a stick-shift, do not press on the clutch too much.
Know the speed limits and stick to them when driving. Why drive 40 when it should only be 20?
Schedule your car for regular tune-ups.
Avoid extra weight. Remove unnecessary tools such as an empty roof rack. The heavier the load is the more fuel it takes to keep the car going.
Check your tires. Did you know that under-inflated tires can increase fuel consumption by 5%?
People who keep a mini portable vacuum cleaner in their cars have good reasons for doing so. For one thing, it allows them to not only keep the interiors of their vehicle free from unwanted dirt and dust, they are also able to save their lungs from a lot of unhealthy clogging from said substances. It is most especially useful when you have kids, because as you know, they tend to eat all kinds of junks which just so happens to always find itself all over the floor. Unfortunately, the crumbs aren't easy to pick up with your bare hands and leaving them to stay till next month's all over cleanup can get them stuck on your car's interior cover, especially if you have rugs. So join in the band wagon of the OCs and invest on a good vacuum.
Put all paper materials inside a plastic-zip bag and make sure that you tie a rubber band around the driver visor to hold on to your parking tickets (avoid them though) maps, to do lists and other reminders for the day's destination. If it's going to be a family trip, we recommend you soften the cushions of your car seat by dipping it in fabric conditioner. This will make sure that those who ride along catches the good scent of the conditioner which if you must know, releases a calming aroma which helps long drives become bearable. After all, you don't want your passengers, (especially if they are kids), to be uncomfortable on the way do you?
Be paranoid, accidents and mishaps occur when you least expect it, so it's always better to be safe than sorry. Do yourself a favor and put up a small survival kit; this will include a compass, a map, a flash-light, candles, lighter, granola bars or energy bars, garbage bags, portable shovels, cat-litter (when its pouring hard), sleeping bags, an extra cell phone battery and keep them all inside a duffel cage which you will be keeping in the trunk or under the seats. These are called survival items, you never know when a simple road trip could get bumpy and you end up all alone and stuck under a bad weather.
Prevention is much cheaper than cure, hence, it pays to be OC with regards to the cleanliness of your car as it will save you from all the unwanted bills supposedly spent on actually cleaning them. First, do make sure you reuse plastic bags by making sure you store a few in your compartment, just in case you need an impromptu trash bag. Don't underestimate the power of towels in your car. After all, you are bound to take something that isn't totally dry inside one day. Think ahead by stocking some extra towels, this will prevent stain and rumpled covers in the future. With this said, keep small hand towels just in case anything spills.
Jon Caldwell is a professional content manager. Much of his articles can be found at http://basiccarmaintenance.net
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