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How To Improve Your Gas Mileage In 9 Easy Steps

September 4, 2022

With the price of gas being pretty high these days, there’s every reason to take all available measures to improve your gas mileage. After all, the more distance you can cover in one gallon of fuel, the less often you will have to get more fuel!

Here are 9 easy ways to increase the gas mileage that you should consider:

1. Lay Off The Pedal

Faster, more demanding motion requires more gas. Accelerating from zero to sixty in three seconds will consume more fuel than gradually accelerating to the same speed.

The harder you push your vehicle to gain speed quickly, the more fuel is wasted. Remember, saving a few minutes to get where you’re going isn’t worth that much!

2. Drive More Slowly

The faster you go, the more wind resistance there is and the less efficient your fuel economy will be.

Fueleconomy.gov claims that every five miles an hour over fifty results in a cost increase of about 22 cents a gallon. So drive slowly when you can.

3. Reduce The Weight

It doesn’t make much of a difference for big vehicles, but small ones are impacted by extra weight. An extra hundred pounds, due to unneeded luggage or passengers, can reduce fuel efficiency by around 1% for most small vehicles. That might not seem like much, but it could cost you around three cents a gallon.

4. Cruise Control

When it’s appropriate (such as on highways and long straights), cruise control can improve your fuel economy by around 14%, since it prevents fluctuation with constantly changing speeds. It only speeds up or slows down when it has to. This could translate to about 43 cents of savings per gallon!

5. Turn Off The Car

Your car still burns fuel even if it is idling. Needless to say, this is a waste of fuel, because you aren’t even using it to go anywhere! Turn off the car whenever possible.

6. Maintain Proper Tire Pressure

Tires lose pressure over time, and underinflated tires can reduce fuel economy by 3.3% per every 10 PSI below the recommended pressure. Consider visiting a tire shop in Pasadena to ensure that your tires are up to snuff.

7. Replace Old Spark Plugs

Bad spark plugs can have a whopping 30% negative impact on fuel economy. Replacing them is difficult though, so consider auto repair in Pasadena to get the job done quickly and easily.

8. Make Sure The Tires Are Aligned

Tires that are misaligned can reduce fuel economy by up to 10%, especially if the misalignment is bad. This also causes your tires to wear out more quickly, and you’ll soon need a tire shop. An auto repair shop should be able to align your tires for you.

9. Fuel Up During Cool Periods

Did you know that fuel is denser when it is cooler out? When gasoline is warm, it spreads out, meaning it takes less gas to make a gallon. So if you fuel up your car during cooler times, such as the early morning or night, you will be able to get more fuel for the same amount of money.

The Bottom Line

There you have it: 9 easy ways to increase your gas mileage! Now admittedly, they can’t help with all of these things, but if you are looking to up your gas mileage (or just need the service for any reason at all) consider stopping by Crown City Tire Auto Care. Our team offers tire services, engine repair and maintenance, and more. Give us a call at (626) 461-9165 and we’ll take care of your car!

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The Dirty Truth About Your Cabin Air Filter: When to Replace It

April 2, 2025

We all love that fresh, clean feeling when we step into our cars, especially after a long day navigating the bustling streets of Pasadena. But have you ever stopped to think about the air you're actually breathing inside your vehicle? Often overlooked, the cabin air filter plays a crucial role in the quality of your in-car environment. At Crown City Tire Auto Care in Pasadena, we believe in empowering our customers with the knowledge to keep their vehicles running smoothly and their occupants healthy. So, let's dive into the often-neglected world of the cabin air filter and uncover the dirty truth about when it's time for a replacement. For many drivers in Pasadena and beyond, the engine air filter gets all the attention. It makes sense – it's directly linked to engine performance and fuel efficiency. However, the cabin air filter, while not impacting how your car runs, significantly affects the air you and your passengers breathe. Think of it as the air purifier for your vehicle's interior. It's designed to trap dust, pollen, mold spores, pet dander, and even airborne pollutants that can enter your car's ventilation system from the outside. Why Should Pasadena Drivers Care About Their Cabin Air Filter? Living in a vibrant city like Pasadena, CA, exposes our vehicles to a variety of environmental factors. From the seasonal blooms releasing pollen into the air to the everyday dust and smog of urban driving, our car interiors can become surprisingly contaminated. A clogged or dirty cabin air filter can lead to a host of issues, some you might not even realize are connected: Reduced Airflow: A blocked filter restricts the amount of air that can pass through your car's heating and cooling system. This can lead to weak airflow from your vents, making it harder to heat or cool your cabin effectively, especially during those hot Pasadena summers or cooler winter evenings. We've seen many customers at Crown City Tire Auto Care surprised at the improvement in their AC performance after a simple cabin air filter replacement. Unpleasant Odors: Over time, trapped particles and moisture in the filter can become breeding grounds for bacteria and mold, leading to musty or unpleasant odors circulating in your car. If you've noticed a persistent stale smell, even after cleaning your interior, your cabin air filter could be the culprit. Allergic Reactions and Respiratory Issues: For allergy sufferers or individuals with respiratory sensitivities living in Pasadena, a clean cabin air filter is paramount. A dirty filter recirculates allergens and irritants, potentially exacerbating symptoms like sneezing, coughing, and itchy eyes. Replacing your filter regularly can significantly improve the air quality and comfort for everyone in the vehicle. Strain on Your HVAC System: When the cabin air filter is clogged, your car's blower motor has to work harder to push air through. This increased strain can potentially shorten the lifespan of components in your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system, leading to more costly repairs down the line. At Crown City Tire Auto Care in Pasadena, we always recommend preventative maintenance to avoid such issues. So, When Exactly Should Pasadena Drivers Replace Their Cabin Air Filter? While there's no one-size-fits-all answer, several factors can help you determine when it's time for a new cabin air filter in your vehicle: Manufacturer Recommendations: Your vehicle's owner's manual will typically provide a recommended replacement interval for the cabin air filter. This is a good starting point, often suggesting replacement every 12,000 to 15,000 miles or once a year. We at Crown City Tire Auto Care generally advise following these guidelines as a minimum. Visual Inspection: One of the easiest ways to check your cabin air filter is to visually inspect it. The location of the filter varies depending on your vehicle's make and model, but it's often located behind the glove compartment or under the dashboard. Consult your owner's manual for the exact location. Once you've accessed it, take a look. A clean filter will be relatively white or light gray. If it's visibly dirty, clogged with debris, or dark in color, it's definitely time for a replacement. We often show our customers in Pasadena their old filter versus a new one – the difference can be quite striking! Reduced Airflow: As mentioned earlier, a noticeable decrease in the airflow from your vents is a strong indicator of a clogged cabin air filter. If you find yourself turning the fan up higher than usual to achieve the same level of cooling or heating, have your filter checked. Unpleasant Odors: If you consistently notice musty or other unpleasant smells when your ventilation system is running, your cabin air filter is likely trapping odor-causing particles and needs to be replaced. Allergy Season and Driving Conditions in Pasadena: If you frequently drive in dusty conditions, heavy traffic with exhaust fumes, or during peak allergy seasons in Pasadena, your cabin air filter will likely need more frequent replacement. These conditions expose your filter to a higher volume of contaminants. Time Since Last Replacement: Even if you haven't driven many miles, the filter material can degrade over time and lose its effectiveness. If it's been over a year since your last cabin air filter replacement, it's a good idea to have it checked, especially considering the air quality in and around Pasadena. What Happens During a Cabin Air Filter Replacement at Crown City Tire Auto Care? When you bring your vehicle to Crown City Tire Auto Care in Pasadena for a cabin air filter replacement, our experienced technicians will: Locate the Cabin Air Filter: We'll identify the precise location of your vehicle's cabin air filter based on its make and model. Remove the Old Filter: We'll carefully remove the old, dirty filter. You'll likely be surprised at the amount of debris it has collected! Inspect the Housing: We'll check the filter housing for any signs of damage or excessive buildup. Install a New, High-Quality Filter: We use high-quality cabin air filters that meet or exceed manufacturer specifications, ensuring optimal filtration and airflow. Verify Proper Airflow: After installing the new filter, we'll test your vehicle's ventilation system to ensure proper airflow and functionality. Investing in Your In-Car Air Quality with Crown City Tire Auto Care Replacing your cabin air filter is a relatively inexpensive yet highly impactful maintenance task. It's a simple way to improve the air quality inside your vehicle, enhance the performance of your HVAC system, and contribute to a more comfortable and healthier driving experience, especially here in Pasadena. At Crown City Tire Auto Care in Pasadena, we're committed to providing comprehensive auto care services, and that includes ensuring the air you breathe in your car is clean and fresh. Don't wait until you notice strong odors or drastically reduced airflow. Make it a habit to have your cabin air filter checked regularly as part of your routine maintenance. We understand that life in Pasadena can be busy, and it's easy to overlook these smaller maintenance items. That's why we're here to help. Our friendly team at Crown City Tire Auto Care is always ready to answer your questions and provide expert advice on all your automotive needs. We believe that informed drivers make better decisions about their vehicle care, and we're here to be your trusted partner on the road. So, the next time you're thinking about your car's maintenance, remember the "dirty truth" about your cabin air filter. It's a small investment that can make a big difference in your driving comfort and well-being. Let the professionals at Crown City Tire Auto Care in Pasadena help you breathe easier on every journey.