That’s the highest we’ve seen in awhile.  The summer is quickly approaching, meaning more traveling for almost everyone.   If these gas prices don’t go down soon, everyone can expect to being paying quite a bit more in travel expenses.  Especially when you factor in summer road construction killing your gas mileage and slowing you down at every turn.

While you may not be able to control the price of gas or when and where road construction takes place, you do have some control on just how efficiently your car runs.  The more you do to improve your gas mileage and save on gas, the better off you’ll be regardless of what gas prices are.

And so, we’ve put together a few quick tips on how you can improve your gas mileage, and save yourself some money.

Tips for Saving on Gas

1. Check Your Tires

This is one of the easiest tips on the this.  Get yourself a pressure gauge and check your tire pressure.  If you’re low, go to the gas station and fill it to the correct amount.  You should be able to do it for free.

Not only does it help with gas mileage, but it can also help balance out tire wear and potentially improve handling.

In the same vein, it helps to have your wheels properly aligned as well.  This helps both with gas mileage and tire erosion.  You can have this done at most auto service centers.

2. Ease off the Gas

Your car uses the most gas when it’s accelerating.  The harder you accelerate, the faster you burn gas.  Simply by easing up on the accelerations, you can significantly increase your long term gas mileage.  This also ties to the next tip.

3. Brake Slowly

Use momentum to your advantage.  Let yourself coast to stops as much as possible.  And if you don’t have to come to a complete stop, don’t.  That way, you won’t have to accelerate as much after.

4. Keep the A/C in Check

We all like to be comfortable in our cars, and not everyone likes to have the windows down.  Still, constantly having the A/C going can put a considerable damper on your gas efficiency.  If you don’t need, don’t use it.  Try switching over to the fan or vent.

5. Keep it Light

The heavier a vehicle is, the poorer it’s gas mileage tends to be.  If you have a lot of junk rolling around in the trunk, back seat, etc., get rid of it.

The weight of your car affects what MPG you’re getting.  Clean that extra stuff out of the trunk and back seat that you don’t need.  It doesn’t just improve your mileage.  It also makes your car more presentable.

6. Get a Hybrid or Plug in Hybrid

If you’re really serious about saving some money at the pump and using considerably less gasoline, and you’re in the market for a new car, you may want to consider a hybrid.  These days, there are far more options than the Toyota Prius.

Ford has a great selection of hybrids and even plug-in hybrids that offer the benefits of both an electric car and a gasoline vehicle.

While this may not be a gas saving solution for everyone, it’s definitely something to consider for the future.

But the truth is, when it comes to cars, this is a terrible motto to live by.   A person can save  a lot of money by repairing or replacing something before it breaks.  And it’s incredibly easy to have your car inspected.

Just have it done when you’re having your oil changed.  We have it bundled right in with your oil change so there’s no hidden fees to worry about.  Here’s a little bit of what our maintenance checks will do for you.

Check Belts and Hoses

A cracked belt is easy to spot and pretty cheap to fix.  However, if that belt breaks while you’re driving, you’re looking at your whole engine potentially being broken.  As for hoses and tubes, a crack or hole could result in fluid leaks.  Running out of, say, coolant could cause your engine to overheat which would also lead to serious change and costly repairs.

Brakes and Wheels

Brake pads are really cheap and easy to replace.  However, if you wait too long, you’ll also have to replace your rotors which cost a bit more.  Go even longer, and you run the risk of damaging your calipers which are not cheap.

As for the rest of the wheel, we inspect the tread on your tires.  If the tread is shallow, it means your vehicle lacks proper traction which isn’t safe for driving.  On top of that, low tread means you’re much more likely of blowing a tire on the road which is a big hassle.

Fluid Levels

Windshield wiper fluid might not affect your car’s performance much, but brake fluid and antifreeze are very crucial.  A car with little to no brake fluid will lack the stopping power it needs.  And as we said earlier, low antifreeze (or coolant) will result in your car overheating.

Save Yourself the Trouble

As you can see, it’s not worth it to run your car until something breaks.  Save yourself the time, money, and hassle, and get your car looked at beforehand.  You’ll be glad you did.

Shaving off options on your car insurance can save money, but that’s also risky in the event you get into an accident.  There are various ways to save on gas, but ultimately, you’re going to have to pay at the pump.

So people attempt to save money in the maintenance department.  Specifically oil changes.

Do It Yourself Oil Changes

Changing oil isn’t hard.  In fact, it’s quite easy as long as you have some sort of oil pain and a way to lift your car up so you can get under it.

You simply prop the car up, unscrew a cap underneath the vehicle, let the oil drain for a few minutes, put the cap back on, swap out the filter, and pour some new oil in.  But how much money are you really saving?

The Time and Money of Oil Changes

Naturally you’ll have to pay for the oil.  You’ll also need a new filter.  Depending on what oil you get, this can cost anywhere from $15-$30 or more for fully synthetic oil.  Of course, once you’ve drained the oil you can’t simply dump it anywhere.

Oil must be disposed of properly, and that will cost you a few bucks too.

At a full service shop like Dokmo’s Quicklane, an oil change will usually cost around $30.  Not a whole lot more than if you did it yourself.  Plus, when you come to us, we do more than simply change your oil.

The 5000 Mile Inspection

Many (if not most) car issues can be spotted and fixed before they actually cause any problems are damage.  Fixing something before it breaks can save a very large amount of money.  When we change someone’s oil, we give their car an entire inspection and make sure to let them know if anything needs to be fixed or replaced.

So not only do they get their oil changed, but they get  a full detailed report of how their car is doing.  And if they need anything fixed, we can fix it because we are a full service auto repair shop.

How Long Does it Take?

Since we have the best tools and equipment, we can get your oil changed faster, costing you no more time than if you had done it yourself.

If you need your oil changed, we recommend letting the professionals do it.  It costs about the same, takes the same amount of time, and potentially saves you from a lot of future problems.  Call or email for an appointment or simply show up.  We gladly accept walk ins.

Engine coolant is essential to your car.  It makes sure it doesn’t freeze up when it’s cold, and it makes sure it doesn’t blow up when it’s hot.  Thankfully, coolant most takes care of itself.  There may, however, come a time when you need to add some yourself.

How Will I Know?

If your car seems to be overheating, you may be low on coolant.  Otherwise many cars will actually tell you to check the coolant levels.

If either of these happen, check your coolant levels immediately!

What Can Happen?

If you run low on coolant (or out of coolant), your engine will overheat very quickly and die.  Chances are you will crack a head gasket which is very expensive to repair.

What’s the Difference Between Coolant and Antifreeze?

The two terms tend to be used interchangeably.  When you put coolant in your car, it needs to be a mix of 50% antifreeze and 50% water.  Some will say that coolant is the 50/50 mixture while antifreeze is the concentrated liquid by itself.

Just make sure that whatever you end up putting in your engine is a 50/50 mixture.  It will say on the container whether it’s straight antifreeze or a mix.

What Kind of Coolant Do I Need?

There are a few different types of coolant which are usually distinguished by their colors.  Most people are a green or possibly an orange.  There could however be yellow, blue, and red.  While some coolants claim to be “universal” and say that they can be mixed with any color, it is strongly recommended that you stick with whatever color is currently in your engine.

You should be able to find the recommended type of coolant by looking at either the owner’s manual or checking the cap on your coolant tank under the hood.  It wouldn’t hurt to pinpoint the actual color that is currently in there.  If you can’t tell, contact a professional for help.

How Do I Fill It?

Before pouring in any coolant, make sure the car is level and that the engine has cooled down!

Depending on your vehicle’s set up, you will either be pouring it into the radiator or a coolant tank.  You should be able to find this using the owner’s manual or simply by looking at the engine and reading the cap lids.

On the side of the container there should be a fill line of some sort.  Fill the coolant to that level.  Once you’re done, put the cap back on and start the car.   Let it run for just a minute or so, shut it off, and check the coolant level again.

Add additional coolant if necessary.  Otherwise, you’re done!

Be Careful!

If you’re coolant is low, there is a very good chance that you have a coolant leak.  A coolant leak can be a sign of a much more serious problem.  Even if it’s not, you’ll want to get that leak fixed immediately.

We’d be more than happy to help you with any coolant needs, whether it’s a minor fix or a major one.  Just stop on by Dokmo Auto Repair Northfield, MN, and we’ll make sure your engine is in top form.

Today Chrysler features four distinct brands: Chrysler, Dodge, RAM, and Jeep.  It’s common for any major car company to have multiple lines, but with the different Chrysler brands, each has their own very distinct personality.

Because of this, we thought we’d break down the differences to help you better decide what Chrysler brand is best for you.

Chrysler

First, we have the company’s flagship line.  Chrysler is known as being luxurious, yet affordable.  This is best seen in the Chrysler 300, a beautifully designed car that has the trimmings of a European vehicle with the dependability and lower maintenance costs of a domestic car.

In addition to the 300, you’ll find the mid-sized Chrysler 200 with its superior MPG, and the Chrysler Town & Country.  When you get into a Town & Country, you might be surprised at just how refined a minivan can be.

For the best looks, features, options, and riding experience, Chrysler is the way to go.

Dodge

Dodge is a product line that’s actually older than Chrysler.  While it’s now a part of Chrysler, it’s legacy remains intact.  Dodge could be considered an everyman’s vehicle, where performance and low-cost reign supreme.

If you’re looking for muscle, you can find it with a Dodge Charger or Challenger.  Both have become very popular vehicles since their reintroduction due to their “throwback designs”, mimicking the muscle cars of old mixed with modern sensibility.

If you want something more practical, Dodge offers the Avenger and the newly introduced Dodge Dart.  The Dart packs quite a bit of punch into a small, very efficient chasse.  One test drive in a Dart, and you’ll be ready to take it straight off the lot.

Lastly, Dodge offers two great SUVS, the crossover sized Journey and the full-sized Durango, as well as one of the most popular minivans in the nation: The Dodge Caravan.

RAM

While Dodge used to offer a line of trucks, the product became so popular that it was made into its own brand.  RAM is the truck division of the Chrysler group.  RAM trucks come in three sizes that start big and end bigger.

First, there is the RAM 1500, followed by the 2500, and finally, the unstoppable RAM 3500.  If you need that extra towing power, you’ll find it in a RAM.  Their spacious design also makes them a great choice for consumers looking at a quad-cab.

RAM also manufacturers a minivan that functions as a utility/delivery van.  While it looks almost identical to the Caravan on the outside, on the inside you’ll find all the storage space you need.

Jeep

We’re tempted to say we’ve saved the best for last.  Jeep’s history starts in WW2 where it was used to get US soldiers wherever they needed to go.  Now it provides that same service to civilians all over the globe.

There’s a reason why Jeep’s have a higher resale value than any other vehicle in America.  They’re built to conquer and endure.  Each Jeep line is “Trail-Rated” meaning it’s passed through a series of tests that includes driving through rivers, across gaps in the earth, and over boulders.

Needless to say, whether you get a large sized Wrangler Sahara or a compact Jeep compass, it will get you to where you’re going in one piece, regardless of what lies between you and your destination.

Something For Everyone

Part of what makes Chrysler so great is that it truly has something for everyone.  The best way to know what works for you is to test drive a vehicle or two.  Come on down to Dokmo today, your Chrysler Dealer MN, for  all your test driving needs.

We have the keys to your next vehicle waiting for you.

How often do I need to change my oil?

But what they really mean is “what is the least amount of times a year I can get my oil changed”.  After all, getting your oil changed costs money.  Even if you do it yourself (which doesn’t really save you a lot whole lot), oil changes are one of those expenses you have to live with.

So how long can you go without changing oil?

You could probably make it for well over a year.  Perhaps even two or three.  However, this would end with your car dying a slow and horrible death.  In many ways, changing your oil works as preemptive maintenance, making sure the engine continues to run smoothly, greatly increasing the life of your car.

So I Should Change My Oil as Often as Possible, Right?

Not exactly.  The reason you need to change your oil in the first place is because it starts to get dirty (along with your oil filter).  This can lead to build up, clogging, and all sorts of engine issues.  But there’s no point in flushing out oil that’s still clean.  You should wait till you  actually need to change it.

How Often is That?

It can change from car to car and what type of oil you need, but the standard for most vehicles today is 5000 miles.

I Thought It Was 3000 Miles…

There was a time when 3000 miles was the standard for oil changes.  However, that was when motor oil (and the engines themselves) was much less advanced, leading to quicker degradation.  Now oil lasts longer and stays cleaner.

That’s why we call our oil change process the 5000 Mile Service.

Why Should I Have You Change My Oil?

Truth is, it’s really not hard to change your own oil.  A lot of people do it.  But most of those people do it because they actually enjoy taking care of their own vehicle.  Changing our own oil can be a bit of a hassle if you don’t have the right tools.

And ultimately, it doesn’t save a whole lot of money if that’s your goal.

But if you bring it to us, not only is it easily affordable, but we do a full systems check to make sure your vehicle is in full working order.  Brake pads, system lights, tires, and more.  We catch problems in your car BEFORE something breaks instead of after.

This saves people considerable money (not to mention you don’t have to worry about your car dying on the road).

We have some of the best mechanics in the Minnesota area, enabling us to do much more than basic oil changes (but only if you need it).  It’s what makes us a great spot for oil change Northfield, MN service.

Do you love cars, trucks, vans, and everything else with a motor and wheels?

Then you should head on down to the Twin Cities Auto Show!  It’s already started, but don’t worry, there’s still a few days left to enjoy.

What is the Twin Cities Auto Show?

For forty years, the Twin Cities Auto Show has been THE place in Minnesota to see the hottest new cars and biggest innovations happening in the world of motor vehicles.

The 2013 Auto Show started on March 9 and runs till the 17th.  That’s this Sunday.  How many cars are there?  Well, they say the floor is filled with about $15 million worth of vehicles.  That’s quite a bit to look at.

If you want to know what all the new 2013 and 2014 vehicles are going to look like, this is the place to see.  Not only that, but you can see concept vehicles that will give you a glimpse of the distant future.  There’s also live music, giveaway, appearances by local celebrities, and an auto industry job fair.

If you’re looking to break into the world of cars, this is the place.

The Breakdown

The Twin Cities Auto Show is happening at The Minneapolis Convention.  Here’s the address:

Minneapolis Convention Center

1301 South Second Avenue

Minneapolis, MN 55403

Friday and Saturday’s hours are 10AM – 10PM.  The show officially closes down at 7PM on Sunday.  Don’t miss out.

But Wait, There’s More!

In honor of the Twin Cities Auto Show, Ford and Chrysler have some great savings for car buyers.  If you’re looking to get a new car, there is no better time.  Just head down to Dokmo, your local Chrysler and Ford dealer for unparalleled savings.

But feel free to head over to the Auto Show first.  We’ll be waiting for you.

But they’re still a bit limited.  There’s not a lot of selection (especially for electric cars), charging stations haven’t become widespread, and the vehicles themselves can have a bigger upfront cost, especially considering there’s very few used hybrids and electric cars out there.

So for now, gasoline powered cars remain on top.

Yet, despite their popularity, it seems many people don’t know what exactly they are putting in their car.  Everyone knows there are different types of unleaded fuel at the pump, but what is the real difference.

A lot of people look at it like this:

One is cheaper.  One is more expensive.

And they choose the cheaper option.  Others want to do what’s best for their car so they choose the premium fuel.  But are they getting anything out of it?  Let’s break down what exactly you are putting in your car so you can know how to make the most out of your pump experience.

What is Unleaded Fuel?

Unleaded fuel is gasoline or petrol, a transparent liquid which comes from petroleum.

Once upon a time, gasoline contained a chemical called tetra-ethyl lead.  Due to safety and health standards, this has been removed from car gasoline, hence the name “unleaded”.  In recent years, the  substance ethanol has been added to gasoline.

Ethanol is an alcohol made from grain (typically corn in America).  By adding ethanol, gasoline burns cleaner, thus reducing pollution.  There is some debate as to how effective it actually is.  At any rate, many states require that all unleaded fuel contains at least 5% ethanol.

Standard Unleaded

The basic gas that most people use.  It tends to be the cheapest at the pump and will work for any unleaded fuel vehicle.  At the pump, you’ll notice there is typically an 86 or 87 listed by it.

This is the octane rating.  The octane levels affect the spark ignition of an engine, attempting to prevent what’s called “engine knocking”.

Super Unleaded

Super unleaded gasoline isn’t something you’ll find in every state.  But in states like Iowa, it tends to be cheaper than regular gasoline.  Super unleaded contains about 10% ethanol in it.  It’s cheaper because of government subsidies.

However, because it contains more ethanol, people tend to find it less efficient, resulting in lower gas mileage and practically negating the price difference.

Mid-Range and Premium Gas

These would be the more expensive gasoline types at the pump.  You’ll find the numbers to range from 89 to 94.

With higher octane levels, the idea is that the gas burns slower causing less knocking and providing better efficiency.

E-85

This is another gas you won’t see everywhere and many cars cannot use it.  The only way you can use e-85 is if your car is a “flex-fuel” vehicle.  E-85 contains 85% ethanol, hence the name (and the reason why most cars can’t use it).

E-85 is considerably cheaper, but just like super unleaded, it’s less efficient.  However, it will probably save you some money in the long run (and it burns much cleaner).

Which Gasoline Should I Choose?

The large majority of people should choose standard unleaded fuel.  If you look at your vehicle’s owner manual, it will recommend a certain octane level.  If the recommend gasoline is regular unleaded, you will get NOTHING out of premium gas.

Don’t waste the money.

Even if it recommends a higher octane, it’s debatable how much good it will do for you.  The best way to find out is to test what sort of gas mileage you get compared to how much more you are paying.  If you’re really worried or you can afford it, feel free to go with the premium gas.

It’s certainly not going to hurt.

If you have any questions about gasoline types, feel free to ask one of our specialized technicians next time you’re in the shop for auto repair.  They’d love to help.  And if you find yourself spending too much money at the pump, Ford has some great hybrids available right.  Just ask us about them!

Sometimes, though, rust happens despite our best efforts.  Some vehicles are simply prone to rust (like the late 90′s Ford Taurus).  In that case, the best you can do is keep the rust at bay.   How do you keep the rust from getting out of control?

By removing it all together.

Imagine if you got shot in the leg by an arrow.  If you left the arrow in your leg, it would become infected and spread and you would ultimately lose your leg.  While that illustration might sound a bit extreme, rust isn’t much different.

It is an infection in your car’s exterior caused by a break or wearing down in your car’s finish.  If you do not remove it, it will spread.  So let’s get on that.

Cutting the Rust Out

Obviously the earlier you catch the rust, the easier it is to remove.  If it’s just on the surface, you can sand it right off.  Start with some course sandpaper and slowly make your way down to a finer grade.

Once you’ve got all the rust out of there, you need to seal in the effected metal.  You can should be able to track down some metal conditioner/primer at your local auto supply store or even the auto department of a Wal-Mart.

Once you’ve got it sealed up, get some touch up paint to match your car.  Make sure to add multiple coats, spreading a little bit outside of the affected area to blend it in.

From There, Follow Standard Rust Prevention

You’ll want to keep an extra close eye on the area you just touched up, always making the rust doesn’t return.  Other than that, just make sure you’re taking care of your car’s exterior, and you should be good to go.

It is a virus to cars, growing and spreading until it consumes the entire body.  That is, if you don’t take care of it.

Rust is a serious concern for all car drivers, but it’s especially problematic for people who live either by oceans or in very snowy climates where salt is often used on roads.  In Minnesota, we fall into the latter category.  While the road salt does wonders for added traction and ice melting, it can be very damaging to our vehicles.

That’s why it’s best to prevent it.  Keeping rust away actually isn’t that difficult.

How to Prevent Rust

1. Wash Your Car Regularly

You shouldn’t be going a month or two without washing your vehicle, especially in the winter.  It doesn’t matter if the roads are messy and it’s just going to get dirty again.  When you wash your car, you remove the salt and dirt that’s slowly trying to eat its way through your finish.

2. Wax Your Car

Whether it’s wax or some other protective applicant that you prefer, make sure your car gets a good covering a few times a year.  The “wax spray” at car washes doesn’t cut it.  Wax it by hand.  If you don’t have a warm garage to work in during the winter, you might just have to endure the winter.  If that’s the case, really make sure you’re keeping your car clean.

3. Seal Chips and Scratches

If you get a scratch or door ding that breaks through your car’s coating, make sure to get it covered.  You can buy some touch-up sealant at your local Wal-Mart or Target.  Those spots are very open to the elements and can rust quickly.

What If I Already Have Rust?

It’s important you stop rust from spreading if it’s already started.  There are a few steps you can take to keep rust at bay.  Stay tuned for our next post on how to stop rust from spreading!