Serving Our Community Since 1984

Run: PV Style June/July 2005 Issue

by Dave Carney

These days, I am frequently asked about the rising price of gas. So, let’s talk about it.

My feeling is that the days of plentiful inexpensive crude are gone. The oil companies have waited patiently for the opportunity to be paid handsomely for this natural resource, which they control, and the wait is over.

Most gasoline retailers, like me, are not in a position to pump enough gas to cover our expenses, so all but the largest of the retailers will go by the wayside in the coming years. Those are the facts.

What recourse do you as a consumer have? Here are my suggestions. To begin, every gasoline station carries three different octane levels, namely Regular 87 Octane, Mid-Grade 89 Octane, and Supreme 91 Octane. Webster’s dictionary defines octane as “a number that is used to measure or indicate the anti-knock properties of a liquid motor fuel and that increases as the likelihood of knocking decreases.” The rule of thumb is that every car can take Regular gas as long as it doesn’t cause the engine to knock and ping. It’s as simple as that.

Certain car manufacturers indicate that you should use high octane gas, and there is a reason for this. The higher-octane gas will give you better performance because it has more additives, such as Techron in the case of Chevron. Should you switch to a lesser grade of gas? For those of you who keep track of your gas mileage, you will find that your mileage will improve with a higher grade of gas.  You need to do the math to see if it is worth it to spend the extra money on the higher-octane gas. The old adage, “you get what you pay for,” could never be more true. 

This adage also applies to the different brands of gasoline. When you buy unbranded  gasoline, you will not have the same quality gas with the detergents and cleaning ability of a branded major gas. Eventually, this will show up in sediment in the intake system and the fuel injectors.  We’ve seen evidence of this when doing smog inspections on cars whose owners have used inexpensive gas. These cars have more trouble in passing the smog test, and that leads to expensive repairs.  We’ve all bought off-brand items from peanut butter to wine, only to realize later that the savings weren’t worth the difference in quality.

Seven quick tips to increase fuel economy:

1)      Check the air in your tires. Under inflated tires is the #1 cause of poor fuel economy.

2)      Have your oil changed every 3,000 miles to help reduce friction.

3)      Burn quality gasoline.

4)      Don’t drive with a lead foot. Slow starts are optimum. Ease into the throttle.

5)      Change the air and fuel filters and do a fuel injection service every 30,000

miles, or once a year.

6)      Have preventative maintenance services performed on your car as required by the manufacturer.

7)      Drive downhill whenever possible and pray for a tailwind!

 Questions?  Please feel free to give me a call at Hillside Automotive, 310/373-7676. Our Automotive Center is located on the corners of Hawthorne Blvd., and Newton Street in Torrance. Our six ASE-certified technicians are at your service Monday through Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. All auto repairs are AAA-approved and guaranteed.

Safe, happy motoring!

Dave Carney