By Jim Alauria, Master Mechanic

    With the price of fuel skyrocketing this summer to nearly $4 per gallon, I was tempted with the idea of trading in my 2002 Toyota SUV—which gets 14 miles the gallon—for a more fuel-friendly vehicle. The idea of getting double the gas mileage put a huge smile on my face. I could only imagine what I could do with an extra $200 per month from fuel savings!

 

So, I called up a friend of mine in the car sales business and told her my plan. I wanted to trade in my luxury vehicle for a fuel-efficient car. NOT!! Come to find out my big SUV is worth $10,000 less than book value because so many people are trading them in. I calculated that it would take me nearly five years to make up $10,000 lost in trade in fuel savings. Would I actually be saving money by trading my SUV in for the purpose of fuel economy? The answer is NO.

    My point being that if you are considering trading your “gas guzzler” in for a more fuel efficient vehicle, make sure you look at the numbers first. How much are you going to lose on your trade in? How much more will your payment be? Does the savings in fuel costs outweigh the car payment or the dollars lost on trade-in? These are all questions you need to ask yourself before you make this decision.

Make the Best of the Situation

    If you are in the same situation as I am and need to keep your vehicle, here are some fuel-saving tips that are useful:

     Tune-Up—A properly tuned vehicle will ensure your vehicle is getting the best mileage possible. An inefficient engine can cost you 4 to 40 percent of your fuel economy, according to Edmonds.com.

     Air Filter—A dirty air filter blocks air from getting into you engine. Gas burns efficiently only when it has enough air (think of a smothered camp fire). Air filters get dirty faster than normal in Arizona and smother the engine.

     Aggressive Driving—According to Edmonds.com, if you slow your acceleration of 0-60 mph from 10 seconds down to 15 you will save tons of fuel. Driving the speed limit will also save you big bucks because cars are designed to run most efficiently at those speeds.

    If you are still confused then ask for help. Unlike other professions, most repair shops will not charge you for their time in discussing your options and most of the time are more than happy to do so. You mechanic should know if he can increase your gas mileage with maintenance. He also will know what vehicles will give you the best “bang for your buck” in regards to fuel economy if you are going to make change.

    Either way, you’ll be making an informed decision.

Jim Alauria is the owner of 3A Automotive Service, 1539 W. Hatcher Road. He can be reached at 602-997-7978. The information in “Road Wise” is provided as general information only. For specific advice on your automobile, consult your auto technician.