Collision Repair
By Carl Baker

Carl Baker is the owner of Hamlins Automotive 551 Mayer Street Bridgeville, PA 15017 (412)221-2100

Tips on How to Save Gas
The best way to get more miles to a gallon of gas is to change your driving habits. Here are some ideas that may help you in improving your mileage.

1.Try to avoid long periods warming up your engine, even on cold mornings; 35-45 seconds is plenty of time.

2. Do not start and stop engine needlessly. Idling your car for one minute consumes as much gas as starting your engine.

3. Avoid “revving” the engine, especially just before turning off the car.This wastes fuel needlessly, ending in loss of oil pressure.

4. Do not make “jack rabbit” starts. You need to start slow from a dead stop.This lets the carburetor work at peak efficiency.

5.There are people who have gotten e-mails telling you what time of the day to buy gas and it is true...you should buy at the coolest time of the day, preferably in the early morning.

6. Avoid rough roads when you can. Dirt and gravel rob you of gas mileage.

7.Try to use shorter, straighter roads.Turns and switching lanes use extra gas. Use cruise control whenever possible. Driving consistently at the same speed saves fuel.

8. Park your car so that you can travel forward when starting out. Backing out of a space can cost you at the pump.

9. Regular tune-ups will give you “the best bang for your buck”. Check the owner’s manual for recommended maintenance. This will save you anywhere between 10 to 20 percent depending on the condition of your car.

10. Pay attention to your air cleaners. Dirty air cleaners will slow the airflow and that increases the use of gas.

11.Make sure that your tires are properly aligned. Bent wheels, axles, bad shocks, broken springs among other things will create drag and are not safe when you are traveling at high speeds.

12. Remove snow tires and make sure that your tires are inflated at their maximum limit. Your tires should be checked periodically to insure proper balance and to see if they are “out of round”. Not taking care of your tires can cause you to increase fuel consumption by 6 to 8 percent.

13. Removing excess weight from your car or truck will help save fuel. Heavy equipment reduces mileage.

14.Travel at posted speed limits.The faster you drive, the more fuel you use.

Remembering My Lai
A Vietnam veteran visits Chartiers Valley high school to recount one of the darkest chapters in U.S. military history.

Unlikely Friendships
A trip to one of Africa’s most desperate countries teaches a CV student that people aren’t so different after all.

Officer of the Year
Scott Township’s Police Department unanimously names Alan Ballo its top cop.

Advertisers be a part of our next issue!
View more information about advertising
 in The Chartiers Valley Source 
at www.mcmags.com

Coming Soon!
The Chartiers Valley Resource Directory
Your guide to the Chartiers Valley area!
  Community and township information,
 school district information and schedules
 and The Directory for business.

For more information about 
The Chartiers Valley Resource Directory
 and to learn about advertising opportunities 
e-mail or call us at 412.257.0340

All information contained in this publication is protected by copyright, and is owned by either McKee Magazines, Inc or a third party. Any and all information, trademarks, trade names, logos, designs and images are protected by U.S. Copyright and Trademark Laws. Reproduction, distribution, transmission or other unintended use of the material contained herein is prohibited without the express permission of the publishers of McKee Magazines.  All rights reserved.

The views, opinions and commentaries contained herein are not necessarily those of McKee Magazines, Inc.

Also publishers of The Peters Township Source, The South Fayette Source, and The Northern Washington Source.