May 27, 2024

Kinetic Auto Service

QUICK TIPS - FUEL SAVINGS EDITION

With fuel prices on the rise again, and exciting summer road trips coming up, we thought you could use a few tips to ensure you are saving money on your fuel costs!

1) Slow down and enjoy the ride! Drive smarter, not harder. Tailgating, weaving in and out of lanes and driving aggressively might make you feel like a race car driver, but it's not doing your fuel economy any favors (or your wallet, when the police hand you a speeding ticket). So, slow down and get to where you're going safely!

2) Keep your tires inflated! Low tire pressures increase your car's rolling resistance, making it work harder and burn more fuel. This also wears your tires prematurely, costing you big bucks when you have to replace them more frequently. So, make sure your tires are properly inflated, and your wallet will thank you.

3) Get rid of the junk in your trunk! Carrying extra weight around is like carrying around a ball and chain - it'll slow you down and make your engine work harder. Some helpful items to leave in your trunk are an emergency kit, a tire inflator and a booster pack (allowing you to boost your own vehicle instead of relying on a stranger). So, ditch the unnecessary items in your car and save some fuel.

4) Keep up with maintenance! A car that's not properly maintained will burn way more fuel, as it needs to work harder to accomplish the same tasks (think about getting back to an exercise routine after taking a break - if you don't maintain your body, it's much harder to do the workout). So, let us help you keep up with regular maintenance like fluid changes, air filter replacements and tune-ups, so your vehicle can continue running efficiently.

5) Use cruise control on highway trips! Not only does cruise control give your leg a rest, it also helps you maintain a constant speed, which is more fuel-efficient than constantly accelerating and decelerating. So, tap your free foot to the beat of the road trip tunes while you save money on fuel!

Bonus Tip: Look for your tire's specified pressure on the driver's door jam or in your owner's manual - NOT ON THE TIRE! The pressure listed on your tire is the absolute maximum pressure the tire can hold, this is meant to be used by tire technicians when installing tires on the rims.

If your fuel economy has been poor, book an appointment for us to inspect your vehicle and give you our recommendations to keep it running efficiently and save you money; there is no cheaper vehicle than the one you already own!

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Repair or Replace, That Is the Question!

By Erin Vaughan • February 11, 2025

Our main goal at Kinetic is to help you keep your vehicle safe and reliable , saving you money on your long term transportation costs. Check out these 6 reasons to repair the vehicle you own: 1. Lower Repair Costs vs. Higher Monthly Payments Even a major repair, like replacing a transmission, is typically a one-time cost. Compare that to the steady stream of monthly payments that can come with a new vehicle - often $500 or more. By choosing a repair, you can save thousands in financing charges and avoid locking yourself into years of debt. 2. Lower Insurance Costs Older cars typically cost less to insure. Upgrading to a newer model often comes with higher premiums due to the increased value of the vehicle and advanced technology that can be costly to repair after an accident. Sticking with your current car can keep your insurance rates lower and more predictable. 3. Better Use of Savings The money you save by repairing instead of replacing can be invested elsewhere: retirement savings accounts, your child's education, or even a well-deserved family vacation. Repairing your vehicle is a short-term expense, while buying new ties up a larger chunk of your budget for years. 4. Extend the Life of Your Investment If you’ve already paid off your car, repairs can breathe new life into a valuable asset. Routine maintenance, like fluid changes, timing belts, or spark plug replacements often costs a fraction of what a new car payment would. With proper care, many vehicles can run reliably for 300,000 km or more. 5. Avoid Depreciation New cars lose value fast - as much as 20-30% in the first year alone. Your current car has already absorbed that initial hit, meaning every dollar you spend on repairs is helping to maximize its remaining value. 6. A Greener Choice Repairing and maintaining your car is more environmentally friendly than manufacturing a new one. Extending your vehicle’s lifespan reduces waste and lowers the overall environmental impact. With this being said, there are times when repairing DOES NOT make financial sense: the vehicle has very high mileage and routine maintenance was not performed, rust has weakened the structural integrity of the frame or body, when the vehicle no longer serves your needs. Let Us Help You Decide At Kinetic Auto Service, we believe in empowering our clients with honest, transparent advice . Before you make a big financial decision, bring your vehicle to us for a professional assessment . We’ll help you weigh the pros and cons, so you can drive with confidence knowing you’ve made the right choice for your budget and lifestyle.