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Part 1 - Save fuel in the Quick Lane
Proper vehicle maintenance doesn't just help extend the life of your vehicle -
it can help relieve some of the financial pressure brought on by high gas
prices. The following are a few key services our factory-trained auto service
technicians can perform to help boost your mpg and fuel economy.
Check your oxygen sensor. An oxygen sensor is part of your vehicle's emission
control system. Replacing a faulty one can improve gas mileage by as much as 40%
Replace a clogged air filter. All of the dirt, dust and grime have a negative
impact on your
engine's performance. This simple and often overlooked maintenance can increase
fuel efficiency by about 10%
Get an engine tune-up. Making sure all your systems are operating at their best
can save you 4% in fuel efficiency
Keep your tires inflated to the proper pressure. Making sure your tire pressure
isn't too low - or too high - can improve your gas mileage by around 3%
Get the recommended grade of motor oil. Our experts offer a full line of
high-quality oil and filter products from Motorcraft®. Using the one that's
right for your vehicle can help improve fuel efficiency by up to 2%
Part 2 - Save fuel on the road
Saving fuel after a visit to your local Quick Lane is just the start. Here are a
few things you can be conscious of when you're behind the wheel to help you
squeeze a little more out of your gas dollars.
Avoid aggressive driving. Not only can it be dangerous, but constant speed
changes and quick, uneven stops and starts waste a lot of fuel. Taking it easier
behind the wheel can improve your gas mileage by as much as 33%
Remove excess weight. You can save about 2% in fuel efficiency for every 100
lbs. of extra clutter you can remove from your car or truck
Use your cruise control. It's almost always more fuel efficient to travel at a
constant speed whenever possible
Avoid idling. It's more fuel efficient to turn off your engine when you're
waiting in the car
Combine trips. Your engine works most efficiently when warmed up
Source: fueleconomy.gov
How to spot worn shocks or struts
Shocks and struts help keep your tires in contact with the road and affect your
vehicle handling and control. Your local Quick Lane can help you keep an eye on
the health of your shocks or struts with a Vehicle Check-Up Report. However, if
you notice any of the following while driving, it's a sign you may need steering
and suspension system maintenance as soon as possible.
Excessive bouncing
Loss of tire contact with the road
Excessive or uneven tire wear
A decrease in your handling or braking ability
Vibration or noise
Fluid leaks in your shocks
Dents, holes or damage to any of your shock components
How to spot worn brakes
The more you use your brakes, the faster they wear out. By design, all brakes
contain special friction materials, referred to as pads or shoes, which keep the
metal of your calipers from grinding against - and damaging - the metal of your
rotors. This is not a built-in flaw, but simply a result of brakes working
normally and safely.
Stop by your local Quick Lane for brake service if you notice any of the
following:
Squeaks or grinding
A burning odor
A hard-to-press or "squishy"-feeling pedal
Shuddering or vibration in your steering wheel
Rusting or flaking in your brakes or rotors
Your brake system warning light goes on
How to spot a worn battery
The best way to avoid having to jump-start a dead battery is to learn the
warning signs of an aging or worn battery. Stop by your local Quick Lane for a
battery test if you notice any of the following symptoms.
Excessive corrosion around the battery terminals or cables
Bulging or deformity of the battery casing
Difficulty starting your engine
Consistent electrical system problems
While you're there, you can get a full Vehicle Check-Up Report to help you
monitor your vehicle systems. It's a great way to keep up on all your truck or
car maintenance needs.
How to spot worn tires

or if tread-wear indicators start showing
| Clue | Culprit | Remedy |
| Both edges worn | Underinflation | Add more air; check for leaks |
| Center treads worn | Overinflation | Let air out to manufacturer's specifications |
| One-sided wear | Poor alignment | Have wheels aligned |
| Treads worn unevenly, with bald spots, cups, or scallops | Wheel imbalance and/or poor alignment | Have wheels balanced and aligned |
| Erratically spaced bald spots | Wheel imbalance or worn shocks | Have wheels balanced or replace shocks |
| Edges of front tires only worn | Taking curves too fast | Slow down! |
| Saw-toothed wearpattern | Poor alignment | Have wheels aligned |
| Whining, thumping, and other weird noises | Poor alignment, worn tires or shocks | Have wheels aligned or buy new tires or shocks |
| Squealing on curves | Poor alignment or underinflation | Check wear on treads and act accordingly |