AUSTIN, Texas.- With rising gas prices, many people choose to do some techniques in their cars to save moneybut an expert clarifies that some choices drivers make can damage their vehicles and end up spending more out of pocket.
“In these times when gasoline is expensive, it is advisable to change the spark plugs, air filters, check the tires, give them a general check-up,” said Jesús Santibañez, an Austin-area mechanic.
According to the mechanic, not everyone usually applies these techniques and many of the people usually do other methods that are not recommended to save gasoline. The mechanic, with 20 years of experience, indicated that using ‘zip ties’ at the pumps and even putting regular gasoline instead of premium in a vehicle that requires it can have negative consequences for a driver.
Santibañez clarified that the best type of gasoline that can be put in your car is the one recommended by the manufacturer. “You can damage your pump, your engine or catalytic converter. That is going to go away because it is a gasoline with less octane, it is a gasoline that if the manufacturer does not recommend it for your car, it will harm your engine, ”he indicated.
The mechanic explained that another myth he often hears is rolling down the car windows while driving, and Santibañez indicated that this even uses more gas.
“If you run very hard and lower the windows instead of saving, you will spend more because you will have an air bag inside and you will let it run less,” he explained.
Tips to save money on gas
AAA Texas offers these practical tips for drivers in the face of price gouging:
- Slow down and drive the speed limit.
- Avoid sudden accelerations.
- Use cruise control on the highway to help maintain a constant speed and save fuel.
- Minimize the use of air conditioning Avoid prolonged idling to warm up the engine, even in colder temperatures.
- Maintain the car according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Making sure your tires are properly maintained and inflated to the correct level.
Here you can see how gas prices are in Texas:
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