Hello, and welcome to a little thing we call The Blackmotorway Blog. Spring has not sprung yet, but soon enough it will be in the 90's. Then we will be begging for some of God's air conditioning. Until then, we are hearty Nebraskan's and can put up with some " cool " temps. Continuing the theme of Spring, Let's look at some more detailing tips to make your vehicle look at it's best both inside and out.
GLASS:
A friend once said: "Glass cleaning is an art", which puts it all into perspective. Clean glass is important if only because dirt and other problems are more obvious on window glass. There are any number of glass cleaners available, most of which contain ammonia, that do a good job of cleaning glass. A thorough glass cleaning is actually a three part process. First, wash the glass with soap and water along with the rest of the car. Then use your chosen cleaner to clean both the inside and outside of the glass. Cleaning the inside is particularly important for newer cars, as interior plastics release gaseous materials (popularly known as "that new car smell") that leave a film. Microfiber towels can work wonders when it comes to glass cleaning techniques. The last step should be a dry pass, again on both the inside and out. Use a clean cotton cloth or paper towel without any cleaner. If you use paper towels, stay away from any that have a design printed on them. While doing the dry clean step, inspect the glass carefully from various angles for residue and other imperfections. Done properly, you should be able to eliminate all streaking. Bob, our detailer, has a tip to use old newspapers to dry clean vehicle glass which will give it a polishing effect.
Here's a product that we've used and have learned to like. Rain X can be thought of as a wax specifically designed for your windshield. If you live in areas where it rains a lot or there is a rainy season, this is the stuff to get. Water will bead up just like the wax on your car's finish. Depending on the amount of rain and your speed, you might not need your windshield wipers at all. When you do turn them on, Rain X will help your wipers to do a better job. Your glass will be easier to clean. There are down sides however. It does wear off, so if you want to constantly enjoy the benefits, you'll find yourself reapplying it often, depending on your driving habits. It also takes some effort to apply; be sure to follow the directions and be prepared to cough up some elbow grease when you treat your glass.
THE INTERIOR:
We spend all these hours working on our cars as a present to ourselves. That is why many enthusiasts feel that detailing the interior is more important than the body, because that is where we spend most of our time. It would therefore make sense that we take special care that the inside of a car is not neglected. Interior surfaces can be divided into two basic categories. There is the hard vinyl surfaces (such as the dashboard) and breathable surfaces such as cloth seats.
Vacuuming should be the first step. Use a strong shop or home vacuum. The small ones that plug into a cigar lighter or operate on rechargeable batteries just don't have the power to do the job. Remove the floor mats and do them separately. Vacuum all areas, including those that you will soon be cleaning with a liquid cleaner. Use a brush attachment for areas that could be marred with an impact from a hard edged attachment.
The hard vinyl surfaces are easy. We use Simple Green, commonly available at department stores, etc. Dilute with one part concentrate to eight parts water; go heavier (up to one part concentrate to two parts water) for stubborn stains. Drench a cloth in the mixture and then apply liberally to a section about 1' x 2' or less. Quickly follow up by wiping down with a microfiber towel. Note: Do not use Simple Green on metal surfaces.
Floor mats are easy. Just remove them and whale away at them with the hose as part of the exterior wash job. In most cases you'll get all of the dirt out. If not, apply carpet cleaner and work it with a brush. Clean the vinyl part of the drivers mat with Simple Green or your chosen equivalent. Do not treat that area with a dressing! It could be picked up by the driver's shoes and cause slipping problems when they work the pedals.
Next apply a good grade foam carpet cleaner to the cloth and carpet areas. Vacuuming first is necessary as that will pick up the loose dirt, which is probably most of the job. Next work in the foam with a brush, using being careful not to be so aggressive as to ruin the surface. Pick up the foam residue with a wet/dry vacuum (best) or a cloth. Serious stains and other problems can be treated with a household carpet cleaner such as Resolve. First try the procedure on a hidden area to be sure that the color is not affected.
Leather conditioner and cleaner is recommended for leather interiors. Keep in mind that most cars with "Leather" are really only "Leather seating surfaces", which means that there is little real leather. Most of the interior, especially consoles, arm rests, seat backs and door panels are vinyl made to simulate leather
Leather requires essential oils to keep its luster. Start with the cleaner and work it in gently with minimal water on the applicator. After applying the cleaner, rinse your applicator and wipe down again, then towel dry. Use the same procedure to apply the conditioner. Do several applications of conditioner (as opposed to one heavy one) if you feel that the leather needs more work. Leather might add that extra touch of class to a cars interior, but it does require more maintenance than vinyl or cloth. A car with a leather interior should be garaged or covered when not in use for maximum longevity.
There is a reason they call it detailing. Work a q-tip into the HVAC vents with some of the Simple Green solution applied followed with a pass with a dry q-tip. It may seem like a detailing cliche, but it works. It's the sort of thing that will go a long way towards making your interior look "right", although it might not be obvious until after the job is done.
Don't leave coins on the seat. They can cause premature wear of the material.
There are so many tips to cleaning and detailing a vehicle, we could not mention them all. If you have any specific problems or questions, feel free to contact us here at Black Motor Co. If we don't have an answer we will get one for you. Our toll free number is 1-888-966-0572.
Being the sports nut that I am, March Madness is a great time of year. My bracket is blown up but the games are always exciting. Baseball is right around the corner, so My team the KC Royals can be close to 1st place for a while. Maybe they will find the Old Magic one of these years. Always optimistic!!! Have a good end of March as we close in on April.
From the Old Rusty Golf Swing
The BLACKMOTORWAY BLOGGER
Friday, March 25, 2011
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Waxing The Vehicle - Tips from our Detailer
Good day from windy Nebraska. If you listen to the national weathermen, you would think that it is going to be impossible to be outside in Nebraska since the wind is going to blow 20 to 30 MPH. Us Nebraskan's consider that to be a breeze. Just kidding but it is funny to see the different perspectives of wind by weathermen around the country. We may not like it but we have to live with it in Central Nebraska. We just say " hang on to your hats, it is a normal spring day in NEBRASKA.
Today I want to talk about waxing your vehicle. I am terrible at it so I asked our detailer Bob to give me some tips on waxing your vehicle. I hope these tips can help in your vehicle maintainence.
Once you have washed and cleaned your vehicle completely, it is time to think of a coating of wax. Wax functions as a paint preserver by helping it to retain certain oils which reduce oxidation. It also serves to protect from environmental hazards such as bird droppings, tree sap, smog and the sun's ultraviolet rays. And it gives paint the depth, gloss and richness that can make all those detailing hours worthwhile. Wax is available in three forms: liquid, paste and spray. As a general rule, liquid wax goes on easier, but does not last as long as the paste products. Which one you use is your choice. Bob's only recommendation is that you choose one with a high Carnauba content. Unfortunately, there really isn't any way to determine Carnauba content other than to say that if it is prominent on the label, it's a safe bet. Avoid spray waxes as they are too thin to be of any real use.
Bob recommends a single application of wax. Don't try to put on a thick application with the intent that you won't have to wax as often because it won't work. You'll mostly end up with an excessive amount of wax residue to remove, making the job more difficult. You are better off waxing more frequently. You can use the round applicators that come with some waxes or are available separately. A damp rectangular kitchen sponge makes a good applicator, as its shape seems to be able to handle the detail areas of a car. A second application on the nose and hood, where the wind quickly wears off the wax will give you a longer lasting wax job.
Today I want to talk about waxing your vehicle. I am terrible at it so I asked our detailer Bob to give me some tips on waxing your vehicle. I hope these tips can help in your vehicle maintainence.
Once you have washed and cleaned your vehicle completely, it is time to think of a coating of wax. Wax functions as a paint preserver by helping it to retain certain oils which reduce oxidation. It also serves to protect from environmental hazards such as bird droppings, tree sap, smog and the sun's ultraviolet rays. And it gives paint the depth, gloss and richness that can make all those detailing hours worthwhile. Wax is available in three forms: liquid, paste and spray. As a general rule, liquid wax goes on easier, but does not last as long as the paste products. Which one you use is your choice. Bob's only recommendation is that you choose one with a high Carnauba content. Unfortunately, there really isn't any way to determine Carnauba content other than to say that if it is prominent on the label, it's a safe bet. Avoid spray waxes as they are too thin to be of any real use.
Bob recommends a single application of wax. Don't try to put on a thick application with the intent that you won't have to wax as often because it won't work. You'll mostly end up with an excessive amount of wax residue to remove, making the job more difficult. You are better off waxing more frequently. You can use the round applicators that come with some waxes or are available separately. A damp rectangular kitchen sponge makes a good applicator, as its shape seems to be able to handle the detail areas of a car. A second application on the nose and hood, where the wind quickly wears off the wax will give you a longer lasting wax job.
What Goes On, Must Come Off
When the wax is dry, remove the residue using only a very soft cloth. Microfiber towels are ideal. As soon as the cloth movement feel has resistance, find a fresh surface. Using an orbital buffer will speed the job up nicely. If you find yourself struggling to remove the wax residue, then you have probably applied to much wax to begin with, which is a common mistake of novice detailers.If you have applied the correct amount of wax, the residue removal will be minimal. The hard part is removing the wax residue from the various creases and edges. The edges of the doors, trunk, hood and so on are easy; just open them and go over the area with a soft cloth. Fixed items, such as side marker lights, badges, radio antennas, windshield washer nozzles, etc. are more difficult. Some detailers use a soft bristled toothbrush. This approach works, although Bob urges caution as scratches can occur if you are not careful. A toothpick can be effective sometimes.
Bob recommends that you wax your car once every two to three months - more if the car is exposed to harsh conditions. When it comes to deciding if it's time for a new coat of wax, the time-honored water beading test can't be topped. While you are doing the wash pre-rinse, notice how the water drops bead up. If the drops are more than one-half inch diameter, or if the water tends to form "sheets", then a new wax job is a good idea. Bob says that not waxing enough is a big problem in Nebraska. He says the extreme weather conditions of cold and hot, snow and rain, strip a vehicle of its wax, so try to keep a good wax on your vehicle. A little elbow grease can help to protect and keep your vehicle looking at its best. If you have any questions on detailing your vehicle, feel free to call Black Motor Co. at 1-888-966-0572 for all the answers.
With my hat pulled down to my ears
The BLACKMOTORWAY BLOGGER
Friday, March 18, 2011
Washing the Vehicle - Do's and Don'ts
Welcome this fine Friday morning to the Blackmotorway Blog. We hope everything is going well as Spring is upon us. With spring comes spring cleaning (maybe), so let us look at washing the vehicle.
Use a detergent designed specifically for car washing. Don't use common dish washing detergent, as it is too strong and will remove the wax you want to keep. There really isn't a lot to washing a car; simply mix detergent according to the manufacturers' directions, dip your sponge or mit into the bucket and have at it. There are a few guidelines to follow however:
If the car is particularly dirty, wash it twice. The first washing will take care of the majority of the dirt and the second will complete the job. Some car enthusiasts will wash twice as part of their routine.
Avoid scratches by using two buckets; one will have your normal car wash detergent, the other will be just water. When you are finished sudsing up a particular area, rinse the wash mit/sponge in the plain water. This will keep scratch causing dirt particles from revisiting the surface of your car. Another approach is to rinse off with your hose the wash mit/sponge before dipping it into the car wash detergent.
Car washing will go a lot quicker if two people are on the job. One will do the sudsing, while the other follows close behind with the rinsing hose.
DRYING:
Dry thoroughly, using a generous supply of the softest towels you can find. Fold the towel into a manageable square and turn it over or unfold it frequently to take advantage of its entire surface. Used towels seem to work best, probably because repeated washings have softened them. Bath towels work well, although it may be more practical to cut them in half.
Drying is best accomplished as a two part process. The first time you will get rid of most of the water and the second pass will complete the job. As with rinsing, do not forget the various nooks and crannies which can trap water.
Miscellaneous Notes:
That is a lot of information about washing a vehicle and I hope that some of these tips are helpful in maintaining your vehicle cleanliness. Hope your brackets are going better than mine in March Madness. Hope everyone can get out and support the area athletes during the spring season. Good Luck Athletes.
Enjoying Spring Weather
The BLACKMOTORWAY BLOGGER
WASHING:
Start by THOROUGHLY rinsing the car. As we said in rule #1, use lots of water and a gentle stream to avoid scratches. Excessive water pressure will cause the dirt to grind at the surface. Some detailers prefer to let the water flow freely out of the hose without the benefit of a nozzle.Use a detergent designed specifically for car washing. Don't use common dish washing detergent, as it is too strong and will remove the wax you want to keep. There really isn't a lot to washing a car; simply mix detergent according to the manufacturers' directions, dip your sponge or mit into the bucket and have at it. There are a few guidelines to follow however:
- Use generous amounts of water/detergent. When the bucket gets down to about one-third full, empty it, give it a quick rinse and refill with detergent/water.
- When you wash a car, do it in sections. Start with the roof, which will make rinsing easier. Then do other sections, such as the front fender, door, rear fender and so on, rinsing thoroughly in between. Always rinse soon after applying so a soap film does not develop. Do not suds up the entire car and then rinse; some of the soap will dry and a film like substance will remain.
If the car is particularly dirty, wash it twice. The first washing will take care of the majority of the dirt and the second will complete the job. Some car enthusiasts will wash twice as part of their routine.
Avoid scratches by using two buckets; one will have your normal car wash detergent, the other will be just water. When you are finished sudsing up a particular area, rinse the wash mit/sponge in the plain water. This will keep scratch causing dirt particles from revisiting the surface of your car. Another approach is to rinse off with your hose the wash mit/sponge before dipping it into the car wash detergent.
Car washing will go a lot quicker if two people are on the job. One will do the sudsing, while the other follows close behind with the rinsing hose.
DRYING:
Dry thoroughly, using a generous supply of the softest towels you can find. Fold the towel into a manageable square and turn it over or unfold it frequently to take advantage of its entire surface. Used towels seem to work best, probably because repeated washings have softened them. Bath towels work well, although it may be more practical to cut them in half.
Microfiber Towels:
Microfiber towels are a recent development and have gained quick acceptance amongst both professional and amateur detailers.As their name implies, Microfiber towels are made up of extremely fine fibers about 100 times smaller than human hair. They feature soft surfaces that accommodate the "avoid scratches at all costs" mantra of a quality detailing job. Unlike cotton, which is a natural fabric, Microfiber is synthetically manufactured using two basic fibers, Polyester and Polyamide. Microfiber towels used for drying are "split", a process which allows them to "hook" up dirt and other undesireable items, giving them their cleaning properties.The same splitting process gives microfiber towels their water absorbant characteristics. They are excellent for drying a car after a washing session and can absorb seven times their weight in water.Wash microfiber towels with small amounts of liquid detergent; do not use powder as it is possible for undissolved scratch causing powder particles to remain in the towel. Do not use bleach or fabric softeners. Air drying is preferred as intense heat is bad for microfiber towels. Drying is best accomplished as a two part process. The first time you will get rid of most of the water and the second pass will complete the job. As with rinsing, do not forget the various nooks and crannies which can trap water.
Miscellaneous Notes:
- We do not recommend using a chamois, since they can trap dirt and cause scratches. They also have a tendency to "pull" the wax off.
- If possible, do not wash a car in bright sunlight. Soap suds can dry, which will leave a film. "Water spotting" also can occur when drops of water act like miniature magnifying glasses in bright sunlight. If a shaded area is not available, try washing in the late afternoon or early morning hours when the sun is not strong.
- Don't forget to wash the headlights and surrounding areas if your car is equipped with pop-up headlights.
That is a lot of information about washing a vehicle and I hope that some of these tips are helpful in maintaining your vehicle cleanliness. Hope your brackets are going better than mine in March Madness. Hope everyone can get out and support the area athletes during the spring season. Good Luck Athletes.
Enjoying Spring Weather
The BLACKMOTORWAY BLOGGER
Friday, March 11, 2011
Nascar, Dodge, and fun watching the races!!
Good morning and hi to you fellow bloggers or anyone who reads our Blackmotorway Blog. This blog is fun to write and the hope is to give you as readers some enjoyment and information along the way. Today, I am going to talk about Nascar. But before we start around the track, I just want to encourage you to look back some of the previous blogs. There is some good infomation on all kinds of vehicle maintenence, improving gas mileage, and other vehicle options. But today is about fun watching Nascar races.
Nascar and Dodge have a long history. The KING, Richard Petty took the Dodge name to new heights in racing. Back in the " good old boy " days of racing, you could tell the difference of the makes of cars. In today's racing, the cars all look the same. The only way to tell the difference is by the logo stickers on the cars. The Dodge Charger is the make of the Dodge brand in Nascar racing today. As of today, Dodge is leading the points with Kurt Busch. Busch was the dominant driver during Speedweek in Daytona and has been consistant through the first 3 races of the 2011 season.
I use to never watch Nascar. Then I was introduced to the world of Fantasy Nascar. This sport of stock car racing takes on a whole new level of viewing with Fantasy Nascar. There are many different outlets to start a fantasy Nascar team. ESPN, Fox, CBS Sports are just a few of the websites which host fantasy games and leagues. These games are free to the public and make watching a race a whole new experience. You pick 5 drivers and how they finish in the race is the points that you earn in the game. During the race, you will find yourself yelling at your drivers and hoping that drivers not on your team have a problem (wreck). You can start a league with your friends and relatives to have bragging rights from race to race and season long winners. It will make your experience of watching a race completely different. I love playing Fantasy Nascar and play on two sites plus a radio station which has a weekly game which you pick the top 10 finishers each week for prizes. If you have never played fantasy Nascar, try it you will love it. Pick a website, join for free, and enjoy Nascar in a whole new light.
Let's congratulate the area teams for making it to the State Basketball Tourney. Your hard work pays off for the rewards you recieve at the end of the year. Congrats. The Spring sports season will be in full swing in a few weeks so we wish good luck to all the area athletes.
Once again, check out the past blogs and join a Fantasy Nascar league - you will get hooked on a sport that is run to watch especially when you have your own drivers to yell for or at depending on how they are doing. Try it you will like it.
Yell for Dodge
BLACKMOTORWAY BLOGGER
Nascar and Dodge have a long history. The KING, Richard Petty took the Dodge name to new heights in racing. Back in the " good old boy " days of racing, you could tell the difference of the makes of cars. In today's racing, the cars all look the same. The only way to tell the difference is by the logo stickers on the cars. The Dodge Charger is the make of the Dodge brand in Nascar racing today. As of today, Dodge is leading the points with Kurt Busch. Busch was the dominant driver during Speedweek in Daytona and has been consistant through the first 3 races of the 2011 season.
I use to never watch Nascar. Then I was introduced to the world of Fantasy Nascar. This sport of stock car racing takes on a whole new level of viewing with Fantasy Nascar. There are many different outlets to start a fantasy Nascar team. ESPN, Fox, CBS Sports are just a few of the websites which host fantasy games and leagues. These games are free to the public and make watching a race a whole new experience. You pick 5 drivers and how they finish in the race is the points that you earn in the game. During the race, you will find yourself yelling at your drivers and hoping that drivers not on your team have a problem (wreck). You can start a league with your friends and relatives to have bragging rights from race to race and season long winners. It will make your experience of watching a race completely different. I love playing Fantasy Nascar and play on two sites plus a radio station which has a weekly game which you pick the top 10 finishers each week for prizes. If you have never played fantasy Nascar, try it you will love it. Pick a website, join for free, and enjoy Nascar in a whole new light.
Let's congratulate the area teams for making it to the State Basketball Tourney. Your hard work pays off for the rewards you recieve at the end of the year. Congrats. The Spring sports season will be in full swing in a few weeks so we wish good luck to all the area athletes.
Once again, check out the past blogs and join a Fantasy Nascar league - you will get hooked on a sport that is run to watch especially when you have your own drivers to yell for or at depending on how they are doing. Try it you will like it.
Yell for Dodge
BLACKMOTORWAY BLOGGER
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Rising Gas Prices-Ways to help your gas mileage
Welcome once again to the Black Motor Co. blog page. If this is your first visit to the blog, we what to say hi and hope you enjoy reading the page and if you are a return visitor welcome back. We hope that these blogs are informational and may be fun along the way. WELCOME!!!
Today, lets talk about ways to help with your gas mileage. I suppose by now you have seen the price of a gallon of gas rise it seems like every day. There are many things you can do with your everyday driving and items on your vehicle to help you get better mileage. Let's keep more money in your pocket.
FIRST, let's look at driving more efficiently.
Aggressive driving (speeding, rapid acceleration and braking) wastes gas. It can lower your gas mileage by 33 percent at highway speeds and by 5 percent around town. Sensible driving is also safer for you and others, so you may save more than gas money.
While each vehicle reaches its optimal fuel economy at a different speed (or range of speeds), gas mileage usually decreases rapidly at speeds above 60 mph.
You can assume that each 5 mph you drive over 60 mph is like paying an additional $0.24 per gallon for gas.
Observing the speed limit is also safer.
Avoid keeping unnecessary items in your vehicle, especially heavy ones. An extra 100 pounds in your vehicle could reduce your MPG by up to 2 percent. The reduction is based on the percentage of extra weight relative to the vehicle's weight and affects smaller vehicles more than larger ones.
Idling gets 0 miles per gallon. Cars with larger engines typically waste more gas at idle than do cars with smaller engines.
SECOND, let's keep your car in shape.
Fixing a car that is noticeably out of tune or has failed an emissions test can improve its gas mileage by an average of 4 percent, though results vary based on the kind of repair and how well it is done.
Fixing a serious maintenance problem, such as a faulty oxygen sensor, can improve your mileage by as much as 40 percent.
You can improve your gas mileage by up to 3.3 percent by keeping your tires inflated to the proper pressure. Under-inflated tires can lower gas mileage by 0.3 percent for every 1 psi drop in pressure of all four tires. Properly inflated tires are safer and last longer.
The proper tire pressure for your vehicle is usually found on a sticker in the driver's side door jamb or the glove box and in your owner's manual. Do not use the maximum pressure printed on the tire's sidewall.
You can improve your gas mileage by 1–2 percent by using the manufacturer's recommended grade of motor oil. For example, using 10W-30 motor oil in an engine designed to use 5W-30 can lower your gas mileage by 1–2 percent. Using 5W-30 in an engine designed for 5W-20 can lower your gas mileage by 1–1.5 percent. Also, look for motor oil that says "Energy Conserving" on the API performance symbol to be sure it contains friction-reducing additives.
Replacing a clogged air filter will help with the perfomance of the engine and can increase mileage from 2 to 6 % in older vehicles.
The certified technicians at Black Motor Co. can help you with all your vehicle needs. Call Donn for an appointment toll free 1-888-966-0572.
Combining errands into one trip saves you time and money. Several short trips taken from a cold start can use twice as much fuel as a longer multipurpose trip covering the same distance when the engine is warm. Trip planning ensures that traveling is done when the engine is warmed-up and efficient, and it can reduce the distance you travel.
Stagger your work hours to avoid peak rush hours.
Drive your most fuel-efficient vehicle.
Consider telecommuting (working from home) if your employer permits it.
Take advantage of carpools and ride-share programs. You can cut your weekly fuel costs in half and save wear on your car if you take turns driving with other commuters. Many urban areas allow vehicles with multiple passengers to use High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes which are typically less congested, further improving your fuel economy.
Consider using public transit if it is available and convenient for you. The American Public Transit Transportation Association has links to information about public transportation in your state.
A roof rack or carrier provides additional cargo space and may allow you to meet your needs with a smaller car. However, a loaded roof rack can decrease your fuel economy by 5 percent. Reduce aerodynamic drag and improve your fuel economy by placing items inside the trunk whenever possible.
Avoid carrying unneeded items, especially heavy ones. An extra 100 lbs in the trunk reduces a typical car's fuel economy by 1-2 percent.
www.fueleconomy.gov has gas mileage estimates and more information for 1984-2011 model year cars.
Selecting which vehicle to purchase is the most important fuel economy decision you'll make.
The difference between a car that gets 20 MPG and one that gets 30 MPG amounts to $768 per year (assuming 15,000 miles of driving annually and a fuel cost of $3.07).
That's $3,840 extra in fuel costs over five years!
Use www.fueleconomy.gov's Find and Compare Cars section to find the most fuel efficient vehicle that will meet your needs.
This information reprinted from the website http://www.fueleconomy.gov/
Black Motor has the help you need to increase your fuel mileage from vehicle repair and maintenence in our service and parts departments to a different vehicle either new or used to get that mileage you are looking for. Contact us at Black Motor Co. toll free 1-888-966-0572 for any and all your vehicle needs.
We want to wish both the Holdrege boys and girls basketball teams the best of luck at the State Tourney. You have put in the hard work and now you are reaping the fruits of that work. GOOD LUCK DUSTERS!!
I still have not lost hope in the Huskers to make the NCAA tourney after their win over Missou. Stay focused Huskers and we will back you all the way. We will have to talk about NASCAR on the blog in the near future and see how the Dodge Charger boys are doing.
Thanks
The BLACKMOTORWAY BLOGGER
Today, lets talk about ways to help with your gas mileage. I suppose by now you have seen the price of a gallon of gas rise it seems like every day. There are many things you can do with your everyday driving and items on your vehicle to help you get better mileage. Let's keep more money in your pocket.
FIRST, let's look at driving more efficiently.
Drive Sensibly
Aggressive driving (speeding, rapid acceleration and braking) wastes gas. It can lower your gas mileage by 33 percent at highway speeds and by 5 percent around town. Sensible driving is also safer for you and others, so you may save more than gas money.
Observe the Speed Limit
While each vehicle reaches its optimal fuel economy at a different speed (or range of speeds), gas mileage usually decreases rapidly at speeds above 60 mph. You can assume that each 5 mph you drive over 60 mph is like paying an additional $0.24 per gallon for gas.
Observing the speed limit is also safer.
Remove Excess Weight
Avoid keeping unnecessary items in your vehicle, especially heavy ones. An extra 100 pounds in your vehicle could reduce your MPG by up to 2 percent. The reduction is based on the percentage of extra weight relative to the vehicle's weight and affects smaller vehicles more than larger ones.
Avoid Excessive Idling
Idling gets 0 miles per gallon. Cars with larger engines typically waste more gas at idle than do cars with smaller engines.
Use Cruise Control
Using cruise control on the highway helps you maintain a constant speed and, in most cases, will save gas.Use Overdrive Gears
When you use overdrive gearing, your car's engine speed goes down. This saves gas and reduces engine wear.SECOND, let's keep your car in shape.
Keep Your Engine Properly Tuned
Fixing a car that is noticeably out of tune or has failed an emissions test can improve its gas mileage by an average of 4 percent, though results vary based on the kind of repair and how well it is done.Fixing a serious maintenance problem, such as a faulty oxygen sensor, can improve your mileage by as much as 40 percent.
Keep Tires Properly Inflated
You can improve your gas mileage by up to 3.3 percent by keeping your tires inflated to the proper pressure. Under-inflated tires can lower gas mileage by 0.3 percent for every 1 psi drop in pressure of all four tires. Properly inflated tires are safer and last longer.The proper tire pressure for your vehicle is usually found on a sticker in the driver's side door jamb or the glove box and in your owner's manual. Do not use the maximum pressure printed on the tire's sidewall.
Use the Recommended Grade of Motor Oil
You can improve your gas mileage by 1–2 percent by using the manufacturer's recommended grade of motor oil. For example, using 10W-30 motor oil in an engine designed to use 5W-30 can lower your gas mileage by 1–2 percent. Using 5W-30 in an engine designed for 5W-20 can lower your gas mileage by 1–1.5 percent. Also, look for motor oil that says "Energy Conserving" on the API performance symbol to be sure it contains friction-reducing additives.
Replacing a Clogged Air Filter
Replacing a clogged air filter will help with the perfomance of the engine and can increase mileage from 2 to 6 % in older vehicles.
The certified technicians at Black Motor Co. can help you with all your vehicle needs. Call Donn for an appointment toll free 1-888-966-0572.
Commuting
Stagger your work hours to avoid peak rush hours.
Drive your most fuel-efficient vehicle.
Consider telecommuting (working from home) if your employer permits it.
Take advantage of carpools and ride-share programs. You can cut your weekly fuel costs in half and save wear on your car if you take turns driving with other commuters. Many urban areas allow vehicles with multiple passengers to use High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes which are typically less congested, further improving your fuel economy.
Consider using public transit if it is available and convenient for you. The American Public Transit Transportation Association has links to information about public transportation in your state.
Traveling
A roof rack or carrier provides additional cargo space and may allow you to meet your needs with a smaller car. However, a loaded roof rack can decrease your fuel economy by 5 percent. Reduce aerodynamic drag and improve your fuel economy by placing items inside the trunk whenever possible.
Avoid carrying unneeded items, especially heavy ones. An extra 100 lbs in the trunk reduces a typical car's fuel economy by 1-2 percent.
Thinking about buying a new vehicle?
You've come to the right place.www.fueleconomy.gov has gas mileage estimates and more information for 1984-2011 model year cars.
Selecting which vehicle to purchase is the most important fuel economy decision you'll make.
The difference between a car that gets 20 MPG and one that gets 30 MPG amounts to $768 per year (assuming 15,000 miles of driving annually and a fuel cost of $3.07).
That's $3,840 extra in fuel costs over five years!
Use www.fueleconomy.gov's Find and Compare Cars section to find the most fuel efficient vehicle that will meet your needs.
This information reprinted from the website http://www.fueleconomy.gov/
Black Motor has the help you need to increase your fuel mileage from vehicle repair and maintenence in our service and parts departments to a different vehicle either new or used to get that mileage you are looking for. Contact us at Black Motor Co. toll free 1-888-966-0572 for any and all your vehicle needs.
We want to wish both the Holdrege boys and girls basketball teams the best of luck at the State Tourney. You have put in the hard work and now you are reaping the fruits of that work. GOOD LUCK DUSTERS!!
I still have not lost hope in the Huskers to make the NCAA tourney after their win over Missou. Stay focused Huskers and we will back you all the way. We will have to talk about NASCAR on the blog in the near future and see how the Dodge Charger boys are doing.
Thanks
The BLACKMOTORWAY BLOGGER
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