With gas prices constantly fluctuating, every driver is looking for ways to stretch a gallon a little further. The good news is that improving your car’s fuel efficiency isn’t just about saving money—it also reduces wear on your vehicle and helps the environment. At our shop, we often get asked how drivers can get better mileage, so here are some practical tips to help you go farther on every tank.

1. Keep Up With Regular Maintenance

A well-maintained car runs more efficiently. Routine services such as oil changes, air filter replacements, and spark plug checks ensure your engine doesn’t have to work harder than necessary. Even something as simple as a clogged air filter can decrease your fuel economy.

2. Check Tire Pressure Regularly

Underinflated tires create more rolling resistance, forcing your engine to use more fuel. Keeping your tires at the recommended PSI not only improves gas mileage but also extends tire life and makes your car safer to drive.

3. Drive Smoothly

Aggressive driving—hard acceleration, speeding, and sudden braking—can drastically reduce fuel efficiency. By driving smoothly and anticipating traffic conditions, you can improve gas mileage by up to 30% on the highway.

4. Lighten the Load

Carrying unnecessary weight in your trunk or roof racks can drag down fuel economy. Removing heavy items you don’t need and using roof racks only when necessary can make a noticeable difference.

5. Avoid Excessive Idling

Idling wastes fuel and contributes to engine wear. If you’re waiting more than a couple of minutes, it’s usually more efficient to turn the engine off and restart when you’re ready to go.

6. Use Cruise Control on Highways

On long highway drives, cruise control helps maintain a steady speed, which improves efficiency. However, it’s best avoided on hilly terrain where it may cause unnecessary acceleration.

7. Keep Your Car Aligned

Poor alignment forces your engine to work harder, lowering fuel efficiency and wearing out tires unevenly. Regular alignment checks can save gas and extend the life of your tires.

8. Plan Your Trips

Combine errands into one outing to reduce unnecessary driving. Cold starts use more fuel, so running multiple errands in one trip keeps your engine warm and efficient.

Final Thoughts

Improving your car’s fuel efficiency is often about making small, consistent changes to your driving habits and vehicle care. Regular maintenance, mindful driving, and attention to detail can help you save money at the pump while keeping your car running smoothly.

Lim’s Auto Body is a full service auto body and mechanical repair shop locally owned and operated in Largo, Florida. For more information, go to our web site www.limsautobody.com or call (727) 422-3232.

Few things are more stressful than seeing your car’s temperature gauge spike or steam rising from under the hood. An overheating engine is not only inconvenient but can also cause serious damage if not handled quickly. Knowing what to do in this situation can save you from costly repairs and keep you safe on the road.

Signs Your Car is Overheating

Before diving into what to do, it’s important to recognize the warning signs:

• Temperature gauge moving into the red zone

• Steam or smoke coming from the hood

• Strange smells, like sweet coolant or burning oil

• Reduced engine performance

Steps to Take Immediately

If your car starts to overheat while you’re driving, here’s what you should do:

1. Turn Off the A/C and Turn On the Heater
   It may sound counterintuitive, but blasting your car’s heater helps pull excess heat away from the engine and into the cabin.

2. Pull Over Safely
   As soon as it’s safe, pull over to the side of the road and turn off your engine. Continuing to drive while overheating can cause permanent damage, such as a blown head gasket.

3. Don’t Open the Hood Right Away
   Opening the hood immediately can be dangerous because hot steam or fluids may spray out. Wait at least 15–20 minutes for the engine to cool down.

4. Check Your Coolant (If Safe to Do So)
   Once the engine has cooled, check the coolant level in the reservoir. If it’s low and you have coolant available, top it off. Never remove the radiator cap while the engine is hot—it can cause serious burns.

5. Restart and Monitor
   If the coolant level is fine and the car has cooled, you may restart and continue driving to the nearest auto repair shop. Keep an eye on the temperature gauge.

Why Cars Overheat

Some of the most common reasons include:

• Low coolant due to a leak

• Broken water pump

• Clogged radiator

• Faulty thermostat

• Damaged hoses or belts

Preventing Future Overheating

The best way to avoid overheating is regular maintenance. Have your cooling system checked at recommended intervals, inspect hoses and belts, and always top off fluids.

Final Thoughts

If your car overheats, don’t panic—but don’t ignore it either. An overheating engine is a warning sign that something needs attention. If you’ve experienced overheating, schedule a professional inspection as soon as possible to prevent major repairs down the road.

Need help with an overheating car? Our expert mechanics can diagnose the problem and get you back on the road safely. Contact us today to schedule your service!

Lim’s Auto Body is a full service auto body and mechanical repair shop locally owned and operated in Largo, Florida. For more information, go to our web site www.limsautobody.com or call (727) 422-3232.