Preventative maintenance is the best way to ensure your vehicle stays reliable, and lets you avoid major repairs as well as the expenses that come with them. At Dennis Road Automotive, we provide a complete preventative maintenance program, and carry all the necessary parts and expertise to take care of the little jobs that let you avoid the big ones.
Choose from a comprehensive range of the fluids, oils, filters, and belts that your vehicle needs to keep running happily and healthily. Relax while your ride is inspected by our highly-trained technicians, and rest assured that it'll keep running smoothly for miles and miles.
10 Minute Pre-Trip Checkup Can Pay Off
A properly maintained vehicle is safer and more dependable and will even save a few dollars at the gas pumps. Motorists should plan ahead to allow time to perform necessary maintenance themselves or at the local service facility.
Car Care Council offers three suggestions for a traveler's 10-minute pre-trip checklist:Check all fluids - There are several fluids that require attention: Engine Oil, power steering, brake and transmission fluids, and windshield washer solvent and antifreeze/coolant.
Check all hoses and belts - A belt failure can affect the electrical system, air conditioning, power steering, and the cooling system. Cooling system hoses may be deteriorating from within, so old hoses and clamps in marginal condition might need to be replaced.
Check the tires - Check tire inflation and inspect the tread for uneven wear, indicating the need for wheel alignment. Also look for bulges and bald spots along the tire's surface.
Follow these tips to maximize fuel efficiency of your vehicle:
Boost your vehicle's fuel efficiency with these simple yet effective tips. From regular maintenance checks such as monitoring tire pressure and replacing worn spark plugs to cultivating mindful driving habits like avoiding aggressive maneuvers and excessive idling, these strategies can help you optimize fuel usage and save on costs in the long run.
Vehicle Gas Caps
Regularly checking and ensuring the proper sealing of your gas cap is crucial. Surprisingly, approximately 17% of vehicles on the roads today have gas caps that are either damaged, loose, or entirely missing. This seemingly small issue leads to the vaporization of around 147 million gallons of fuel each year.
Under Inflated Tires
Maintaining proper tire pressure is crucial for optimal fuel efficiency. Driving with underinflated tires is akin to driving with a parking brake engaged, resulting in a notable reduction in mileage, often costing a mile or two per gallon. Regularly checking and maintaining the correct tire pressure can significantly improve fuel efficiency.
Worn Spark Plugs
The spark plugs in a vehicle, whether four, six, or eight in number, endure an incredible amount of stress, firing up to 3 million times every 1,000 miles. Such persistent use can lead to both electrical and chemical erosion from the generated heat. Regular inspection and timely replacement of worn spark plugs are essential for maintaining fuel efficiency.
Dirty Air Filters
A clogged air filter can disrupt the ideal air-fuel mixture, leading to a "rich" mixture where the proportion of gas to air is imbalanced. This not only results in fuel wastage but also causes the engine to lose power. The simple act of replacing a clogged air filter can enhance gas mileage by as much as 10%, making it a crucial maintenance step for fuel efficiency.
Don't Drive Aggressively
Aggressive driving habits, such as sudden accelerations and abrupt stops, can significantly reduce gas mileage. In fact, aggressive driving can decrease gas mileage by up to 33% on the highway and 5% on city streets. Opting for smoother driving habits can substantially improve fuel efficiency.
Avoid Excessive Idling
Allowing a vehicle to idle for extended periods consumes fuel without yielding any mileage. Minimize unnecessary idling, and avoid letting the vehicle warm up for more than one to two minutes as excessive idling contributes to unnecessary fuel consumption.
Drive the Speed Limit
Maintaining a consistent speed and adhering to the speed limit can play a vital role in fuel efficiency. Gas mileage tends to decrease rapidly at speeds exceeding 60 mph. For every mile driven above 60 mph, you can expect an additional 10 cents per gallon in fuel costs. Utilizing cruise control can also help in maintaining a steady speed, thus enhancing fuel efficiency during highway driving.
Partners
What our clients are saying about us
We have established longterm and stable partnerships with various clients thanks to our excellence in solving their automotive needs!
Where do I start ADAM ADAM ADAM remember that name his customer service was outstanding, spectacular, and above and beyond, when I first pulled up he had a Genuine spirit, His presence made me feel very comfortable, I didn’t get this feeling “this guys just here to do a job and get paid” but that he has a heart to care about his clients, He listened, took notes, and understood what I was requesting fully. I told him how I went to another mechanic shop and how I was treated there and how much they were trying to charge me to fix an issue he emphasized with me and understood that not everyone have money to blow especially fixing unnecessary things that doesn’t necessarily pertain to the issue at hand I was being upsold at another mechanic shop and over charged but ADAM rest assured he doesn’t do that there he knows when you treat a customer right they’ll continue to be loyal. I was expecting to have it in the shop for a while and having to Uber to work and back it gets expensive when you’re 30 mins away from work. He was able to fix my Auto Stop Start and Check Engine light for dang near HALF the price of another mechanic shop quoted me and didn’t upsell me and fixed it in 2 DAYS! He was so nice I offered a tip 3 times and he denied it real genuine he also checked in on me to make sure things were straight. I was extremely happy to know it’s fixed and that I’m saving HALF the price I was quoted I found my Guy and Mechanic shop at Dennis Auto Motive HIGHLY RECOMMEND
I’ve trusted Dennis Road Automotive for many years, though it’s been a while since my last visit, mainly because they’re not open on weekends. I’ve always appreciated their straightforward service, and I still miss Riley, who brought a great personal touch to the experience. On my most recent visit, I was charged $374 for a new battery for a Lexus ES350. I’m not sure how that compares in today’s economy, but it gave me the same feeling you get when dining out these days, quality isn’t necessarily better, yet the prices seem to jump significantly. The work was completed, and the team was professional, but the cost left me wondering if the value aligns with what it used to be. I still want to support businesses that have served the community for so long, and I hope they continue to provide honest, dependable service at a price that feels fair in the current market.