Auto Trends Magazine

Car reviews, industry news, & advice.

ENGINE

5 Fuel Savings Tips for Savvy Drivers

by 1 Comment

Saving money at the pump.

High fuel prices can drain your wallet, making it difficult for you to make ends meet. You cannot do anything about pump prices, but you can put some distance between your visits to the service station, by employing several fuel saving tips immediately.

1. Use Cruise Control

fuel saving tipsMost cars come with cruise control, a device that keeps your vehicle at a constant speed. Cruise control is ideal for the open highway when long traveling distances mean consuming much fuel.

Set your cruise control at highway speed and you may be able to find fuel savings averaging 7 percent according to Edmunds.com.

2. Keep Your Engine Tuned

Tune ups are a thing of the past, but your car’s engine still needs to run optimally. Many cars can go as far as 100,000 miles before replacing spark plugs becomes necessary. Even so, there are other parts that may need replacing sooner such as the PCV valve, fuel filters, ignition components and air filters.

By following the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance intervals as outlined in your owner’s manual you can save about 4 percent on fuel, perhaps much more if your oxygen sensor is faulty.

3. Keep Tires Inflated at the Proper Level

Under inflation can lead to tire failure putting yourself at risk of an accident. Tires that are regularly under inflated can see tread life reduced by up to 25 percent notes TireRack.com.

Improperly inflated tires can have a negative affect on your fuel economy too, coming in as much as 3 percent lower when tire pressure is 10 psi below the car manufacturer’s recommended level.

2016 Jaguar XF
Avoid idling to reduce fuel consumption.

4. Avoid Prolonged Idling

Among the newest features found in many cars built today is stop-start technology. These technologies cut engine spark and fuel when idle, such as at a stop light, automatically reactivating same when you take your foot off of the brake.

Car manufacturers have been rolling out start-stop technology as an important way to enhance fuel savings. Even if your car is not equipped with the technology, you can save fuel when your idle times last for more than one minute. Double-digit fuel savings are possible when you shut down your idled vehicle.

5. Lighten Your Load

Do you use your trunk to store sporting gear? Do you drive around in your pickup truck with excess weight in the truck bed? If so, that added weight can make your engine work harder and run less efficiently.

For every 100 extra pounds that you have in your vehicle, your fuel savings can drop by up to 1 percent according to the EPA. Whenever possible lighten up to conserve fuel.

2016 Ford Focus RS
Always ensure tires are properly inflated. Check the spare while you are at it.

Take it Easy

You can realized additional savings if you ease up on the gas pedal by avoiding both jackrabbit starts and harsh braking.

Add it all up and your fuel savings can top 25 percent. This means if you currently spend $60 per week on fuel, you may be able to save as much as $15 a week or $780 per year.

See Also — 8 Steps to Buying a Used Car

Jaguar and Ford photos copyright Auto Trends Magazine. All rights reserved.

8 Reasons to Avoid a Particular Used Car

by 4 Comments

You are in the market for a car and a used one at that. Shop around carefully and you just may find a deal that suits you. Then again, if you are not careful when evaluating your options, you could be taken for the kind of a ride you do not want: notably, getting stuck with a problem-plagued vehicle. When considering a particular vehicle, avoid those that miss the mark due to any of the following eight reasons.

Volkswagen Beetle1. A problematic vehicle history. What do you know about the vehicle’s history? Have you obtained a vehicle history report, such as one from CARFAX? (Disclaimer: this correspondent is a former contributor to CARFAX). A CARFAX or similar comprehensive report should spell out the owner’s name, the service work reported, accident information and other details. Certainly, such a report will not tell you everything about the car, but a report that lists a glaring problem such as being hit on the side in an accident is a car that should be avoided. In other words, you may be dealing with a car with a bent frame. (Here is an excellent article that details the limits and sometimes the pitfalls with vehicle history reports — Limitations and Problems with Carfax or any Vehicle History Report).

2. Coolant system trouble. A well-maintained car will have clean coolant. A car that has been neglected will show signs of debris in the fluid, something that the average buyer might miss. Ask your mechanic to check the car to determine if the fluid has been changed regularly.

3. Engine oil or transmission fluid discoloration. New oil is amber in color, while older oil can be black, but still effective. However, most people are not able to determine if the oil is actually bad, something a skilled technician such as your mechanic can substantiate. As for the transmission fluid, if it smells burnt or looks dark brown, you may soon be faced with an expensive transmission repair if you go ahead and buy the car without taking it to your mechanic for inspection.

Jaguar4. Most performance models. The more power a vehicle has under the hood, the more likely the owner pushed the car to its limits. Although there is absolutely nothing wrong with a performance model per se, such vehicles are typically prone to wearing out faster. For example, suspension parts may take a beating, the engine and transmission may have shorter lifespans, and other parts related to vehicle performance may wear out faster.

5. Visible signs of wear and tear. Foggy headlights, worn tires, cracked rims, faded paint and ripped seats are signs that a car has been through it all. Likely, the visible wear and tear issues demonstrate that the owner has not kept up with overall maintenance, suggesting that this particular used car will offer a greater share of reliability woes.

6. Accident damage. We looked at this concern in the first point, but there are additional details that should be mentioned. First, if the car was in an accident, how severe was that accident? Second, was the car in more than one accident? Third, are there signs of corrosion present? Fourth, is the paint texture uneven or are the various panels poorly fitted? If you are still not sure about the car’s condition, then take the vehicle to a mechanic for an inspection.

Lexus RC7. The current owner is a smoker. You might be a smoker yourself or have nothing against people who smoke. But, if you are in the market for a car, smoke is one odor you may find impossible to remove from a vehicle. Moreover, ashes may burn holes in the seats or in the carpeting. Furthermore, smoke will permeate the fabric, settle inside the dashboard and simply pollute the cabin.

8. The model has a reputation for problems. Most cars built in the new millennium are far more reliable than those that preceded them. Yet, there are certain models that have performed poorly in crash tests, have gone through multiple recalls, or simply are outclassed in their segment. If you buy a particular model with a reputation for problems, your repair costs may come in much higher than a similar vehicle with a superior track record.

Used Car Considerations

Most car shoppers do not possess the expertise to buy a used vehicle without having someone else with them to also scrutinize the car. For a pricier used car, it is always a sound policy to pay your mechanic to give the car a good looking over. If the owner refuses to allow a mechanic review, then you should move on to the next car.

See Also — NHTSA Recall Action Targets Rental Car Companies and Used Car Dealers

Photos copyright Auto Trends Magazine.

Quick Work: 2014 Chevrolet Malibu

by 1 Comment

The current generation Chevrolet Malibu made its debut early in the 2013 model year, but was immediately panned for its modest-at-best styling update. Critics also complained about its limited rear legroom, setting GM management on a course for a quick update of this five-passenger midsize sedan. A revised sedan was introduced to journalists this past week, revealing a refreshed fascia, a redesigned center stack and more rear seat leg room.

2014 Chevrolet Malibu

Engine and Technology

The 2014 Chevrolet Malibu is now powered by a new 2.5-liter four cylinder engine. That engine along with start/stop technology offers a competitive fuel economy rating of 23 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway. It does not represent a huge mileage boost, but the 35 mpg highway number is important in a segment where some competitors (Nissan Altima and Mazda Mazda6) get as high as 38 mpg on the highway.

That GM reacted so fast to criticism demonstrates once again that the new GM has distanced itself from the old GM. Under the old GM, the company might have listened to its critics before embarking on an update that would have shown up three or four model years later. Under the new GM, the company is responding to problems quickly, recognizing that it must compete well in all areas if it is to survive.

Hotly-Contested Segment

Mark Reuss, president, General Motors North America, told reporters, “The midsize sedan segment is the most contested in the industry and we’re not sitting still with the 2014 Chevrolet Malibu.”

And it is a contest the previous generation Chevrolet Malibu fared well in, although it has long trailed the industry leaders including the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord and Nissan Altima. Sales of the 2013 model were down 11.9 percent through April 2013, while its competitors have been enjoying double-digit gains. Moreover, the Ford Fusion and Hyundai Sonata have been outselling Malibu, with both the Volkswagen Passat and Kia Optima gaining.

Performance and Options

The standard Chevrolet Malibu engine is SAE-rated at 196 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque. The six-speed automatic transmission receives revised shift points for quicker shifting. Optionally, a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine can also be had, delivering an SAE-rated 259 horsepower and 295 foot-pounds of torque.

Other changes made include chassis and suspension modifications for a smoother ride, available side blind zone alert and rear traffic alert, and a recalibrated rack-and-pinion power steering system.

2014 Chevrolet Malibu

As for rear seat legroom, the 1.25 inches gained will be realized at the knees. That gain comes from redesigning the rear area of the front setbacks and changing rear seat cushion sculpting position passengers slightly more to the rear.

See Also — This Time, GM Aims to Get the Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid Right

Photo courtesy of General Motors Company.

New Opel Diesel Engine Reduces Fuel Consumption by 10 Percent

by 3 Comments

Latest Opel powertrain is Euro 6 compliant.

Opel 1.6
Opel develops yet another ECOTEC TDI engine.

The General Motors Company has a jewel in Opel, a costly one at that. Still, its German operation continues to offer some of the best engineering across the company spectrum, fielding yet another new engine that we can only hope will eventually find its way to North America. As in a certain Chevrolet.

Diesel Engine

Last week, Opel took the wraps off of a 1.6-liter direct injection turbo-diesel engine. The new ECOTEC engine will replace an existing 1.7-liter TDI and will also be outfitted in some cars currently offering a 2.0-liter diesel variant.

Opel says that the new diesel offers as much as a 10 percent fuel savings over the current engine. Moreover, the diesel meets Euro 6 requirements for carbon monoxide, particulates, nitrogen oxides and combined emissions. Those standards apply to vehicles built from Sept. 2014 on and for new cars registered as of Jan. 2015.

CLCC Engineering

The aluminum block turbo-diesel features closed-loop combustion control, technology that has a direct impact on reducing noxious oxides. CLCC ensures a more efficient burn rate, using sensors to measure, control and regulate engine temperature for improved efficiencies.

Commented Dr. Thomas Sedran, Deputy Chairman of the Opel Management Board, By the end of this year we will have launched three all-new generations of gasoline and diesel engines, as part of our roll-out of 23 new models and 13 new powertrains by 2016. Thats an astounding investment in power train technologies, which may explain why GM insists that it will keep Opel.

Engineers from Italy and the United States joined with their German colleagues to develop the new engine in-house. Production is slated to begin this spring at a manufacturing plant in Szentgotthard, Hungary.
Chevrolet Cruze Diesel

In related news, Chevrolet will tap Opel for its 2.0-liter turbo-diesel engine, to be outfitted in select Cruze models this year. The 2014 Chevrolet Cruze Diesel is expected to roll out by summer 2013. By the time the next generation Chevy Cruze is introduced, it might gain Opel’s newest and more efficient diesel power plant.

See Also — Chevrolet Cruze Adds Hatchback and Diesel Options for 2017

Photo courtesy of General Motors Company.

Replace Your Timing Belt, Avoid Engine Damage

by 2 Comments

A destroyed engine will cost you thousands of dollars to replace.

One of the most significant wear items on your car is its timing belt. When this belt is working properly your engine is operating as designed, but If your timing belt suddenly breaks your car will stop. Moreover, you might incur engine damage and in a worse case scenario you may need to replace your engine. Replace your timing belt within your manufacturers prescribed maintenance intervals and avoid a breakdown and a potentially costly repair job.

About Timing Belts

timing beltAlso known as a timing chain or cam belt, a timing belt is tasked with turning the engines camshaft. Essentially, the timing belt keeps your engine in sync by providing timed motion between the camshaft and the crankshaft.

The crankshaft changes piston linear energy into rotational energy that is used to turn the wheels. The camshaft is tasked with opening and closing the engines valves to bring gas and air into the engine and out again. The timing belt enables two divergent components camshaft and crankshaft to do what they do together. When your belt breaks, your car will stop.

Replacement Intervals

Your manufacturer plainly states in your owners manual the replacement intervals for a timing belt. You may have heard mileage numbers ranging from 60,000 to 100,000 miles. Mechanics may recommend that you change it once every four to six years, even if you have not reached the mileage threshold. Made of rubber with high-tensile fibers, a timing belt can wear down from use as well as from age. Ultimately, you will want to schedule a timing belt replacement before your manufacturer says that it is due.

When replacing a timing belt, your mechanic may recommend that you also replace the tensioners and idlers that hold the timing belt in place. If either part is worn or loose, it could cause your replacement timing belt to fail soon after it has been installed. Thus, a timing system replacement that includes the belt, an idler and a tensioner may be the best approach here.

And while you are at it, you may want to have the water pump replaced while your mechanic is working in the same area. You will pay more for a complete timing system replacement and a water pump change out, but you will save on labor when your pump eventually does fail.

Possible Damage

One area of possible concern for car owners is the type of engine that they have. Yours is either interference or it is free running and the former can cause you much trouble if the timing belt suddenly breaks.

Quite possibly, an open valve could be hit by a piston in motion, damaging your engine internally. If that happens, you will need to be towed to a garage and have your belt replaced. If your mechanic detects engine damage you are looking at a possible engine replacement, costing you thousands of dollars to fix.

References

How Stuff Works: How Timing Belt Replacement Works

Gates: Timing Belt Care Spring/Summer

See Also — Should I Repair or Replace My Car?

Photo courtesy of Wikipedia.