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Improve Fuel Economy And Save Money

Whether you’re looking to cut fuel costs, use less gas, or reduce your environmental footprint, most drivers in Tullahoma & Winchester want to get the most out of every tank. We’ve all heard different fuel-saving tips, but do they actually make a difference? How much can better driving habits and regular maintenance impact your fuel economy?

Fortunately, the U.S. government has researched this, and the results show that even small changes can lead to big savings. Let’s take a closer look at what really works.

Regular Maintenance = Better Fuel Efficiency

Keeping your vehicle well-maintained can have a direct impact on fuel economy. A routine tune-up can improve gas mileage by 4%, which translates to saving about 14¢ per gallon when gas is $3.50, or 16¢ per gallon at $4.00.

Some repairs can make an even bigger difference. A faulty oxygen sensor, for example, prevents the engine from properly balancing fuel and air, which leads to wasted gas. Replacing a bad sensor can improve fuel efficiency by up to 40%! That’s why it’s important to bring your vehicle to Russell Barnett Automotive Family for regular checkups.

If your check engine light is on, don’t ignore it. Many issues that trigger this warning can hurt your gas mileage. Let our team in Tullahoma & Winchester diagnose and fix the problem so you can save more at the pump.

Tires and Oil: Small Details, Big Savings

Did you know that keeping your tires properly inflated can improve fuel economy by 3%? Even a slight drop in tire pressure can make a difference, so checking them weekly is a simple habit that pays off.

Using the correct type of motor oil for your car is another easy way to save. The right oil viscosity can increase fuel efficiency by 2%, so always follow your vehicle’s manufacturer recommendations.

Your Driving Habits Matter

One of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to improve fuel efficiency is to change the way you drive.

Rapid acceleration, hard braking, and sudden lane changes waste fuel. Driving smoothly and steadily can save up to 5% on gas in the city and an impressive 33% on the highway.

Speeding is another fuel-wasting habit. Driving just 5 mph over the speed limit can reduce fuel economy by 7%, while going 15 mph over can cost you 23% more per gallon. Slowing down isn’t just safer—it’s also easier on your wallet.

Lighten the Load for Better Mileage

Carrying unnecessary weight makes your engine work harder, which lowers fuel efficiency. Removing 100 pounds of extra cargo can improve gas mileage by 2%. So, clean out your trunk and avoid hauling around items you don’t need.

Next time someone asks for a ride, you might jokingly say, “Sure, but you’re costing me extra at the pump!”

Small Changes, Big Savings

By keeping up with maintenance, driving more efficiently, and reducing excess weight, you can make a real difference in your fuel economy. These small adjustments add up over time, helping you save money and get the most out of every gallon.

Start making these changes today, and enjoy a smoother, more fuel-efficient ride!

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Safety And Savings With Tire Maintenance

Poor alignment causes uneven wear.

Tips to Extend Your Tire Life and Enhance Safety

Taking proper care of your vehicle’s tires not only saves you money but also improves performance and safety. Follow these essential guidelines to maximize their lifespan:

1. Keep Tires Properly Inflated

  • Check tire pressure at least once a month and before long trips.
  • Inflate them to the recommended PSI, which can be found in the owner’s manual or on the driver’s side doorjamb.
  • Underinflation leads to excessive edge wear, while overinflation causes center wear.

2. Rotate Tires Regularly

  • Rotate your tires every 5,000 to 7,500 miles or as specified by the manufacturer.
  • This ensures even tread wear and extends their lifespan.

3. Ensure Proper Wheel Alignment

  • Misaligned wheels cause uneven tread wear and reduce tire life.
  • If you notice pulling, vibrations, or uneven wear, have an alignment check done.

4. Balance Your Tires

  • Unbalanced tires can lead to vibrations and premature wear.
  • Balance them when installing new ones or if you experience shaking at certain speeds.

5. Drive Smoothly

  • Avoid aggressive acceleration, sudden braking, and sharp turns, which wear out tires faster.
  • Drive cautiously over potholes, rough roads, and curbs to prevent unnecessary damage.

6. Check Suspension Components

  • Worn shocks, struts, and ball joints contribute to uneven tire wear.
  • Have your suspension system inspected regularly to maintain even tread wear.

7. Inspect Tires for Damage and Tread Depth

  • Look for cracks, bulges, cuts, or embedded objects that may cause issues.
  • Perform the penny test: Insert a penny into the tread with Lincoln’s head down—if the top of his head is visible, the tread is too worn and needs replacement.

8. Avoid Excess Weight

  • Carrying too much weight places unnecessary stress on the tires, leading to quicker wear.
  • Follow your vehicle’s recommended load capacity to maintain optimal performance.

9. Store Tires Properly When Not in Use

  • Keep spare or seasonal tires in a cool, dry location, away from direct sunlight and chemicals.
  • Store them upright or stacked correctly to avoid deformation.

10. Select the Right Tires for Your Needs

  • Choose tires suited for your driving conditions, whether all-season, winter, or performance tires.
  • Investing in high-quality tires can improve longevity and overall durability.

By following these key steps, you’ll extend your tires’ lifespan, enhance driving safety, and save on replacement costs. Safe travels!

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A Stitch In Time (Winter Battery Checkup)

A service technician replaces a battery.

You probably have heard that expression, “A stitch in time saves nine.” In other words, if you fix an issue at its early stages, it will prevent a much more difficult problem later. That’s certainly the case with your vehicle, and here’s a true story to demonstrate it.

A driver noticed his vehicle was due for an oil change, so he took it in to his service facility early in the morning so he could wait while the work was performed. The technician routinely checks the battery on vehicles just before extreme weather is approaching (cold or hot), so with winter coming up, he hooked up the load tester (it measures voltage while a load is put on the battery). It showed the battery wasn’t holding a charge well.

The technician checked the manufacturing date on the battery, too (most batteries have a date stamped in code somewhere on them). The date showed it was five years old. While batteries can last more than five years, many technicians say you should expect to get anywhere from three to six years out of them, depending on what they go through.

So, this battery was getting a little long in the tooth, and it wasn’t holding a charge particularly well. But how much current was it being sent by the vehicle’s alternator? If it wasn’t getting enough, that might be a factor. A test of the charging system showed the alternator was putting out the correct amount of power. The technician recommended replacing the battery, and the driver agreed.

That was the stitch in time. Had the technician not checked the battery, that driver likely would have been stranded the next time he tried to start his vehicle on a very cold day. What originally was supposed to be just an oil change led to a technician’s sharp diagnosis and a little preventative maintenance for one fortunate driver. Sometimes timing is everything.

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Annual Christmas Party

Every year the Russell Barnett Automotive Family hosts a Christmas party for all of our employees and their guests.  Our employees work so hard throughout the year, and this gives us a chance to show our appreciation for them with great food, gifts, and some really fun games.  The party gets a little bigger every year as our wonderful automotive family continues to grow. 

While everyone is together, it is a perfect time to recognize our employees’ achievements as they reach goals and milestones in their careers.  From welcoming new employees to celebrating someone’s 30th year (or more) with us, or from celebrating a salesperson’s first vehicle sold to celebrating a 5,000th vehicle sold – there are always plenty of achievements to be proud of as our employees advance through various stages of their careers.

Most importantly, our annual Christmas party is a chance for everyone to get together and celebrate the holiday season.  It’s easy to stay focused on the work and lose sight of the more important things in life, but Russell always makes sure to give back.  If there’s one thing that has always mattered the most to Russell Barnett, it’s taking care of people.  This includes his family, employees, customers, friends, and the surrounding communities. 

Let’s have another spectacular Christmas season together, and then get ready for another great year with the Russell Barnett Automotive Family!