Proper care can enhance gas mileage

They go high and higher. That's the one thing Sisters residents know for sure about gas prices.

Per-gallon rates for regular seemed to take a breather last week at $4.29.9 and $4.27.9 at local stations. Some oil industry analysts predict $5 and $6 per gallon by Christmas.

Many claim Oregon's mandatory law that requires fuel to contain 10 per cent ethanol adds to the pain. Everyone agrees that ethanol does decrease mileage, but the amount is subject to debate. State officials claim the drop is only three percent, while others claim ethanol's impact on mileage can be up to one-third. A recent article in the Portland Oregonian said motorists in Portland drive to Vancouver, Washington, to get ethanol-free gas.

Whatever the impact on mileage, it is important since ethanol gas has been required in the Sisters area for about three months, said Ken Green, an employee at Baxter Auto Parts in Sisters.

But Green says his store has a solution for the ethanol issue. The store stocks "STA-BIL," a new product designed to improve engine performance when using ethanol gas.

Green, with 26 years experience in the automotive industry, took his Toyota 4Runner to the Oregon Coast recently. After using STA-BIL his mileage increased from 12 to 17 miles per gallon (mpg). If he runs his air conditioner, the increase is from 12 to 15 mpg.

A 32-ounce container of the additive costs $26.99.

Scott Hampton, auto technician at Van Handel Automotive, says that some customers see no difference in their mileage when using ethanol fuel. Others claim their car loses 50 to 100 miles per tank, he said.

Many newer cars adjust for ethanol fuel, with minimal performance drop, he added.

There are some simple things people can do to make sure they achieve the highest possible gas mileage. Hampton, who has 12 years experience as a mechanic, emphasized that people need to read the owner's manual for their vehicle and follow the manufacturer's service recommendations.

Hampton says some customers show up with 100,000 miles on their car and say, "Should I have done something?"

He said one of the best things people can do is replace the air filter on their car when needed.

"It's really cheap insurance," he said.

If the filter is clogged, the engine must work much harder with lower performance and mileage. Replacement may be needed sooner when driving under special conditions such as heavy dust or towing, he said. He says to check the air filter at every oil change.

Hampton does not recommend expensive performance air filters.

He said about 75 percent of the cars on the road also have a fuel filter that should be changed at least once a year, or every 30,000 miles. Using the proper weight or viscosity oil is also important, he added.

If a vehicle calls for light oil then heavy oil will hinder the engine's ability to turn over, and decrease performance. If your car calls for synthetic oil be sure to use it, he added.

Hampton also has some driving tips: Let the car warm up for two to three minutes to give it a chance to reach its best operational level. Drive slowly and avoid punching the accelerator. Use cruise control for steady gas flow.

Brian Brown, owner of Professional Auto Repair, said proper maintenance, tune-ups, good clean oil and a clean air filter are all good things for the best gas mileage. He said some people waste money by poor maintenance. New spark plugs could be paid for in the money lost operating an engine with worn out plugs, he noted.

Art Davis, owner of Davis Tire and Towing, offered some tire and alignment suggestions to improve mileage. People need to maintain the correct tire pressure, he said.

Tires that do not have enough air create a serious "drag" on the car, with significant impacts on mileage, he noted.

Davis recommends checking tire pressure once a month. He said they will perform the service at his shop. Maintaining proper tire alignment is another way to ensure the best mileage performance, he said. Bad alignment seriously increases "rolling resistance," he added.

Davis says alignment should be checked whenever a new set of tires is purchased, or if other symptoms are noted. Symptoms may include pulling to one side, excessive or uneven tire wear or when the steering wheel is not centered.

Brian Capp, vice president of marketing for Les Schwab, said the company has offered free air checks as part of its customer service for years at all locations. The company now has 415 stores in the West, including one in Sisters.

Capp also emphasized the importance of correct tire pressure to obtain the best mileage, and recommends monthly checks. He cited U.S. Department of Transportation data that says 27 percent of cars and about one-third of trucks are driven with low tire pressure.