Back to all

The Easy Way to Save Cash in Clawson

April 7, 2024

The hottest Michigan news story may be different every day, but there's one topic that seems to come up over and over again – the price of gas in Clawson. If you feel like most of your paycheck goes into your gas tank, this post is for you. Here are several basic things people in Clawson can do to greatly reduce their gas consumption, save money, and help the environment. You can really improve your fuel economy by how you drive – but first, here's a review of things you can do for your vehicle that'll save gas no matter how you drive.

The first one for Clawson drivers is keeping tires properly inflated. That can save 2 miles per gallon/.85 km per liter. Driving on low tires is like driving through sand – your car just has to work harder. Most Clawson service centers will fill up your tires for free, so just ask Top Tech Auto Repair Clawson. Also, make a habit of checking your tire pressure whenever you fill up. Many Clawson gas stations have an air hose you can use for free.

Another important item is to keep your air filter clean. An air filter all clogged up with dirt and bugs doesn't let enough clean air through to efficiently burn fuel. Using a dirty air filter will cost you almost 2 miles per gallon/.85 km per liter in reduced fuel economy. And worn spark plugs can cost about the same. A spark plug can fire as many as 3,000,000 times for every 1,000 miles/1,600 km driven. Check the vehicle owner's manual for replacement recommendations.

The biggest item is the oxygen sensor. This device provides the engine management computer with information it needs to fine-tune the fuel/air mix. When that's messed up it can cost Clawson vehicles up to 3 miles per gallon/1.3 km per liter. And of course, there's dirty or substandard oil. Dirty oil causes extra drag. The wrong grade may be too thick. That's another .4 miles per gallon/.17 km per liter right there.

One item Clawson residents seldom think about is their gas cap. A worn, loose or missing gas cap can cost another 2 miles per gallon/.85 km per liter. Adding up all of these worn, missing or sub-par items leads to a total of almost 11.4 miles per gallon/4.85 km per liter in reduced fuel economy! And with current gas prices in the Clawson area, the cost really adds up. Taking care of these simple maintenance items will save Clawson drivers at the pump. 

Now most vehicles aren't missing on all of these items, but think about which ones might affect you right now! And don't forget tune-ups, dragging brakes, low transmission fluid, fuel system cleaning, wheels out of alignment, PCV valve, fuel filter and other services spelled out in your owner's  manual.

Top Tech Auto Repair Clawson knows all this stuff and can tell you when you're scheduled to take care of each item. Create a system of your own to track your service schedules, or just use the computer system at Top Tech Auto Repair Clawson – which may also be updated with recall notices and maintenance schedule items from your vehicle manufacturer.

Top Tech Auto Repair Clawson
664 S Rochester Rd
Clawson, Michigan 48017
248-589-0980
http://www.toptechautorepairclawson.com

Need Service?

More articles from Top Tech Auto Repair Clawson

The Vivacious Vernal Vehicle (Preparing Vehicle for Spring)

October 27, 2025

Most of us look forward to spring because the days are longer, the weather's warmer and we can finally get our vehicles into warm weather mode. Here are a few things that will breathe fresh energy into anyone's car, SUV, truck or van. First thing is a good cleaning, especially underneath. If you... More

No Fuel-ing! (Fuel Filter Replacement)

October 23, 2025

Your vehicle has a few filters you might be somewhat familiar with. Theres the oil filter that removes impurities from your engines oil, and a couple of different kinds of air filters that prevent contaminants from getting into the engine and the cabin. But you may not know that your vehicle als... More

Don?t Blow Your Cool (Water Pump Replacement)

October 12, 2025

Its always a good idea to keep your cool, and thats especially true when it comes to some components of your vehicle. One is the engine. Its hot under that hood thanks to the mini explosions that are occurring in the internal combustion engine when its running. Your vehicle has a cooling syste... More