How to Save Gas Money By Taking Better Care of Your Car

Posted on September 19, 2022 by autorepair

With most good things, there is a catch. If you want to lose weight, you have to give up sugar. If you want to save money, you have to rent the smaller apartment. But when it comes to fuel savings, you may have found the exception to the rule! Because believe it or not, there is a way to save your gasoline and reduce fuel consumption without sacrificing an ounce of drive-time! You don’t have to limit your driving by driving less altogether just to save on gas.

Continue reading to learn what you can do to save fuel without restricting the amount of time or distances you drive.

Car Maintenance Service Indianapolis Indiana 317-475-1846

Factory Scheduled Maintenance is Vital

The simple trick to using less gas is not to drive less, but to drive smarter. And a smart driver (YOU) makes sure they are staying current with all their factory scheduled vehicle maintenance. This includes fluid changes like motor oil, coolant, windshield wiper, and power steering. But also includes services like tire balancing and rotation, brake pad inspections and replacements, cabin filter replacements, air filter replacements, comprehensive inspections, and more.

Aside from what your trusted mechanic can provide for your vehicle in terms of routine maintenance, there are many things you can do yourself to keep your ride in tip-top condition, allowing it to utilize fuel efficiently and perform for years to come.

Best Practices for Driving and Car Care

Take initiative into your own hands with do-it-yourself (DIY) car care. There are many things you can do on your own to continue vehicle maintenance in between regular scheduled mechanic visits. You can start by making sure your tires are always properly inflated. When they are not, your vehicle must work harder to assume the same level of performance, which uses more fuel. Also, be sure to periodically inspect the gas cap for damages. This can cause fuel to vaporize into the air.

Another way to use your fuel efficiently is to obey the speed limit and accelerate slowly. This also protects several components of your vehicle, allowing optimal performance and safety. Last, try emptying the trunk and backseat of unneeded materials. This can reduce the overall weight of your car, thus reducing the amount of gas it needs to operate.

Although there is no magical way to truly “drive more and use less”, with routine car care you can optimize your vehicle’s fuel economy, which essentially delivers the same financial gratification. Talk to your trusted automotive service technician about your vehicle’s recommended maintenance schedule. You may refer to your vehicle’s owners’ manual for additional information as well.

Does your car or truck need some routine auto service or a repair? Contact us at 317-475-1846 for the most affordable and reliable auto repair services in Indianapolis, Indiana. Request a free estimate, or schedule service, today.

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Can You Put Diesel in a Car That Uses Unleaded Gasoline?

Posted on June 23, 2022 by autorepair

Gas prices; am I right? Good thing we don’t live in Oregon, where gasoline prices have skyrocketed to a breath-taking $9 per gallon. But still, the price for fuel right now is astronomical, so it is no surprise that so many drivers are looking for alternatives to spending their paychecks on their gas tanks. Aside from better car care and driving habits, there really isn’t much we can do to avoid paying for the fuel we need. This realization has often inspired drivers to explore the benefits of switching to diesel fuel.

But can you put diesel in a car that takes unleaded gasoline? If so, will it improve fuel functionality? If not, what would happen if you did anyway? Continue below to learn the difference between gasoline and diesel, plus whether you can use them interchangeably in vehicles.

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Using Diesel in Lieu of Gasoline is Probably Not Possible

How old is your vehicle? Was it manufactured within the last twenty-five years or so? If yes, then a diesel fuel nozzle won’t even fit inside of your gas tank opening. Diesel fuel nozzles are differently-sized compared to standard unleaded gasoline nozzles at the local gas station, plus there is a special plate fitted under the gas cap on designated unleaded vehicles, making the insertion impossible. Sure, you could use your own fuel container and nozzle, or maybe your car’s older than twenty-five years old and without the hidden gas cap plate. Motorcycles don’t have the hidden gas plate either. But that’s not the end of the story. There are more reasons why you can’t put diesel into a vehicle that takes unleaded gasoline.

The Difference Between Diesel and Gasoline

So, what would happen if you put diesel fuel into a car that uses standard unleaded gasoline? To better understand what would happen and why, let’s explore the differences between diesel and gasoline. Compared to unleaded gasoline, diesel fuel is heavier. One gallon of diesel is a pound heavier than one gallon of gasoline.

Diesel fuel is also oily, and science tells us that oil doesn’t evaporate in the normal sense. The same can be said about diesel. Furthermore, diesel smells completely different than unleaded gasoline. So, when taking into consideration all of these differences, you can rationally come to the conclusion that nothing good would come of you swapping out your unleaded gasoline with diesel. In fact, you can expect your car to not start.

Why You Unleaded Gas Car Won’t Start if You Give it Diesel Fuel

You see, cars that are designed to use unleaded gasoline are equipped with a fuel injection system that uses fuel injectors to shoot gasoline into the cylinders of the engine. Once there, the fuel is ignited by the spark plugs, which then turns the engine over. But if you were to use diesel fuel in place of gasoline, the fuel injectors would transport the diesel into the engine cylinders, the spark plugs won’t be able to ignite the fuel. So, your car won’t start. Now, will it do any damage to your vehicle? That’s a whole other topic.

Will Diesel Damage an Unleaded Gas Engine?

Well, we know that an unleaded gasoline vehicle will not start if you give it diesel fuel, but we haven’t talked about whether it does any damage or not. Well, thankfully, no, there shouldn’t be any damage to your engine or any other system within the vehicle if you put diesel fuel in your unleaded gas engine car. However, you will need to drain the fuel tank and refill it with the proper fuel. This can be a really tedious process and should only be done if you are familiar with routine automotive work like oil changes and filter replacements. Otherwise, take your car into a local Indianapolis automotive repair shop for license car maintenance and repair services.

Does your car or truck need some fuel filter or fluid change service? Contact Northeast Auto Service at 317-475-1846 for professional car maintenance in Indianapolis, Indiana at a price you can afford. We work on all make and model vehicles, providing everything from oil changes to major engine work.

How to Tell if Your Car Needs Fuel Induction Service

Posted on April 18, 2022 by autorepair

Your vehicle’s fuel efficiency is important, not only to your bank account, but also to your driving safety and performance. One such car maintenance strategy that helps prevent poor fuel economy is fuel induction. If you have noticed that your car is using up more gasoline than normal, or your car engine is losing performance value, you might benefit from fuel induction service.

Continue reading to learn what fuel induction service entails, plus how to spot the signs that suggest your car is in need of it soon.

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Fuel Induction Services

If your car is experiencing subpar fuel efficiency or engine operation, the fuel system is the first place you should be concerned about. Generally, a quick fuel induction service is the common, go-to maintenance to rule out more serious automotive problems. If your fuel economy issues or engine performance problems persist after a fuel induction, then your mechanic will have to look further.

What is fuel induction? Let’s first review the journey of your car’s fuel. When you engage the gas pedal, fuel from your gas tank is sent to the fuel pump, down the fuel lines, through the fuel filter, and into the fuel injection system. From there, the fuel injection system sprays fuel into the engine combustion chambers, where it meets air let in from the air filter. The air-fuel mixture is then ignited by the spark plugs, which starts your engine.

Also referred to as fuel injection or fuel system cleaning, fuel induction is a routine car maintenance service that eliminates the harmful carbon deposits produced by impurities in gasoline and fuel additives. These deposits can clog the fuel injectors and fuel lines, which can reduce the flow rate of fuel, or even block it altogether in serious cases, thus leading to engine performance issues and poor gas mileage. This service is suitable for both return and returnless fuel systems.

Signs That Suggest You Need Fuel Injection Cleaning

Refer to your owners’ manual for manufacturer recommendations on how often you should take your car in for fuel injection cleaning services. Between scheduled maintenance, you may notice signs that suggest your car needs fuel induction cleaning sooner than later. Here are some common signs to look out for:

⛽ Poor Gas Mileage
⛽ Filling Up the Tank More Often
⛽ Slowed Acceleration
⛽ Engine Knocking or Banging
⛽ Bumpy Idling
⛽ Losing Power While Driving

Fuel Induction Versus Fuel System Cleaner

You might think you can save time and money by purchasing some over-the-counter fuel system cleaning solution. Although such products are relatively inexpensive, they may not be the best solution for your automotive fuel system inadequacies or performance issues. Fuel induction services range in price depending on a variety of factors, namely the make and model of your vehicle, usually starting out around $150 or so.

A bottle of fuel system cleaner will run you around $35 or $40. Sure, the math says you can save a lot of money by choosing the DIY route, but professional fuel induction service is the better and smarter investment, especially for cars in serious condition. The money you save in the long run on fuel and auto repairs will surpass the cost savings you get from going the over-the-counter route.

Are you in need of a vehicle inspection or fuel injection cleaning? Contact Northeast Auto Service at 317-475-1846 for professional fuel system service in Indianapolis, Indiana. We also offer a generous selection of automotive service and repair coupons, discounts, and deals!

Don’t Trust These Top 5 Fuel Efficiency Myths

Posted on November 11, 2020 by autorepair

Whether you have a brand new car or a vehicle with several thousand miles on it, it is never too late to improve your fuel efficiency. There are several reasons why all drivers should try to improve their gas mileage, but the most obvious benefit is cost savings. Saving on gas means saving more money. It also means improved fuel economy and performance for your vehicle. But don’t make the mistake of falling victim to common untruths about how to reduce gas mileage. Not only will these misconceptions waste your time, but they will also waste your money.

Continue reading to learn the top 5 most common myths about gas mileage, and what you can do to get your car fuel efficient in no time.

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Avoid Believing These Common Fuel Efficiency Myths

❌ Small Cars Get Better Fuel Mileage

Size has nothing to do with fuel efficiency. Everything under the hood, the materials used to manufacture the vehicle, and proper maintenance are what make vehicles fuel-efficient. Advancements in technology that promote better fuel economy include diesel engines, turbochargers, hybrid drive-trains, and low-rolling resistance tires.

❌ Manual Transmissions Get Better Gas Mileage

Although true in the past, new advancements in automatic-transmission technology has made this a modern-day myth. More gears has led to less wasted fuel and much more. Whether you choose manual or automatic, fuel efficiency will not be comprised by this decision.

❌ Old Cars Get Poor Gas Mileage

A vehicle is really only as old as its engine. And so long as the engine is properly maintained over the years of ownership and use, the gas mileage should not be affected. In fact, there is a vehicle “break-in” period (the first 5,000 miles or so) where the fuel efficiency actually improves, rather than declines!

❌ Replacing the Air Filter Will Jump-Kick Fuel Economy

If your car has an older engine with a carburetor still, then this myth is a little true. But fuel economy for modern fuel-injected cars and trucks is not influenced by a singular filter change. Fuel-injected engines delivers lower emissions and improved fuel economy. An onboard computer automatically adjusts the fuel-flow depending on the amount of air entering the engine.

❌ Premium Fuel Will Improve Gas Mileage

This will just end up being a waste of money. Premium fuel does not equal better fuel economy. In fact, using a higher-octane fuel will not alter vehicle performance at all. Only use premium gas if your vehicle’s owners’ manual suggests to; otherwise, stick to unleaded.

Want to know how to truly get better gas mileage? The short answer is staying current on all factory scheduled car maintenance and care. But, check back at the end of the month for a blog informing you on all the ways you can enhance your fuel efficiency!

Where to Get Trusted Indianapolis Auto Service at the Right Price

Call Northeast Auto at 317-475-1846 for affordable auto repair and service in Indianapolis, Indiana. We provide domestic and foreign car repair and factory scheduled maintenance for all make and model vehicles. On top of competitive prices, we also offer car repair coupons and discounts! Call 317-475-1846 to request a free estimate, today.

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Collective Car Care Tips and Tricks You Need to Know

Posted on June 24, 2020 by autorepair

When it comes to cutting back and saving money, a great place to start is with your car. Vehicles can be a major expense since they require routine maintenance, regular fuel fill-ups, fluid changes, and basic protection, to ensure performance and reliability. All of these automotive requirements cost money, making car care an important part of investment protection. If you are taking care of your car to the best of your ability, you are already on the right path. However, adding a few more car care tips and tricks to improve your car maintenance acumen can’t hurt!

Continue reading to learn some vital automotive care and maintenance tips that can help you stay safe and save money.

Indianapolis Auto Repair and Service 317-475-1846

Gas Mileage and Fuel Efficiency

Everyone wants to preserve as much fuel as possible in order to save money on gasoline. Here are the best ways to ensure you are:

☑ Slow down a little when you drive, and avoid revving the gas.
☑ Remove excess items from the trunk to reduce vehicular weight.
☑ Stay current on all factory scheduled maintenance and minor repairs.
☑ Carpool as often as possible.
☑ Use alternative transportation, like bikes, buses, Ubers, and more.
☑ Use the proper fuel grade.

Tire Care

Without proper tire maintenance, you can risk damaging several other areas of your car or truck, as well as, reduce its overall performance value. Three aspects are most important when it comes to the tires on your car or truck: matching the proper tire-type to your particular vehicle, purchasing high-quality tires, and regular tire maintenance. Be sure to regularly check your tire tread. Here in Indiana, the tire tread minimum is 2/32 of an inch for passenger car tires. Use the “penny test” to assess your tire tread. Simply insert a penny into the groove of your tire. If you can see Lincoln’s head, it means the tread is low and it is time to replace your vehicle’s tires.

Windshield Wiper Malfunctions

Although you have your windshield wipers and wiper fluid to rely on, it never hurts to have a backup plan when it comes to rain. One such hack is to use a spray-on rain resistant product. These products are perfectly safe for your car’s windshield, plus they are fairly priced and available at any local convenient store or automotive store. You can also order these products online. We Recommend Rain-X® 2-in-1 Glass Cleaner w/Rain Repellent, available at most department stores.

Car Cleanliness

Believe it or not, keeping your car clean will help it last a lot longer! This includes routine interior cleaning, such as vacuuming, dusting, and sanitizing, as well as, exterior cleaning, including the under body, windows, wheels, bumper, and all other exterior areas. Eliminating dust, dirt, and debris improves a vehicle’s performance, safety, and of course, appeal. For this reason, try to clean your car once every month. In fact, see our recent blog, “How to Wash Your Car Using the Rain” for a fun alternative to the car wash!

Factory Scheduled Car Maintenance

Factory scheduled car maintenance is vital to the overall performance, safety, and longevity of every vehicle. And it also helps with the budget since it prevents costly breakdowns and repairs. Scheduled car maintenance includes routine fluid changes, filter replacements, brake service, tire service, battery service, alignments, and more. Proper auto care reduces toxic emissions and fuel consumption, and supports a safer, more efficient operation. All this is eco-friendly and better for the environment. Check your owners’ manual for your vehicle’s suggested service schedule, and talk to your mechanic about your car’s individual needs.

Regular Inspections and Early Detections

Be sure to have your vehicle inspected regularly by a licensed mechanic. Brakes, lights, and other important components need regular inspection and service to ensure driving safety and efficiency. To determine how often your vehicle needs serviced, refer to your car’s manual, or ask a licensed auto mechanic in your area. See our blog, “Where Can I Find My Car’s Service Maintenance Schedule?” for help.

Indianapolis Automotive Maintenance and Repair at an Affordable Price

Call Northeast Auto Service at 317-475-1846 for professional automotive maintenance and repair in Indianapolis, Indiana. We’re ASE certified car mechanics who provide a wide range of auto repairs and maintenance for both foreign and domestic vehicles, including transmission repairs, fuel system repairs, and general automotive maintenance services. We also provide several amenities, such as free written estimates, flexible drop off and pickup hours, and more.