Monroe Auto Repair

You notice that suddenly your vehicle seems to be getting worse gas mileage than it did awhile back. Why? What happened?Like with most things on your vehicle, there can be numerous problems at the root of poor fuel economy. Let’s start with the simple ones and work our way to the more complicated issues:Tires: This one’s easy. Underinflated tires mean more rolling resistance (think about riding a bike with a low tire), and more rolling resistance means poorer fuel economy. Check your tire inflation at least once a month, while the tires are cold, using a good quality tire gauge. Even a pound or two of underinflation can be enough to cause problems!Air filter: The air filter is made of pleated paper or fabric elements which prevent pollen, dust and particulates from entering the fuel system where they could do some real damage and cause wear. A clogged air filter can literally smother the engine by restricting air flow. Take out the air filter and hold it up to a bright ligh ... read more

Your tires are a big investment, and while it’s easy to just take them for granted, you want them to last through their entire warranty phase (at least). Here are some tips on how to get the most life out of a set of tires:Tire rotations: No vehicle has 50/50 weight distribution from front to rear, and front tires see a different set of stresses from braking and cornering. Rotating your tires at a 5,000-mile interval ensures even wear and good drivability and handling.Proper inflation: Underinflated tires are bad news! They’ll wear unevenly due to their altered footprint, they’ll cost you money in terms of higher rolling resistance and poor fuel economy, and the stress from overheating can lead to premature tire failure. Check your inflation levels at least once a month, using a good quality tire gauge.Wheel alignment: Think about someone who walks with one foot skewed out to the side. That shoe will wear unevenly, usually at the heel, and that’s not unlike what ... read more