Car Care Tips to Save Gas

Everyone who has to drive on a regular basis has noticed that gas prices are once again on the rise.  Just when we start feeling good about the lower prices, they shoot back up again!  We don’t have a choice if we have to drive to get to our jobs or other destinations, but there are some things that we can do to help us save gas.  Some of these tips seem minor, but when all are used, you will save gas.

- Tighten up your gas cap.  Gas will evaporate from your car’s gas tank if it has an escape.  Loose, missing or damaged gas caps will cause your gas to evaporate.  Be sure you tighten your gas cap each time you fuel up your car.

- Go for the shade.  The hot summer sun that makes the inside of your car feel like a sauna also zaps fuel from your gas tank.  If you park in the shade, there will be a lesser amount of evaporative emissions from your gas tank.  You may also purchase a UV protective car cover to keep your car and fuel tank cooler.

- Pump up your tires.  Underinflated tires wear down more quickly, and they also lower your car’s gas mileage.  Tires that have low pressure offer more resistance so the engine is going to work harder to keep your car up to speed.  Your car’s gas mileage may drop as much as 15 percent.   Check your tire pressure once a month.

- Keep your engine in tune.  Fixing a car that is out of tune or has failed an emissions test can boost gas mileage by about 4 percent.  So be sure to give your car regular tune-ups.  You should also watch out for worn spark plugs.  A misfiring spark plug can reduce a car’s fuel efficiency by as much as 30%.

- Replace air filters.  When your engine air filter clogs with dirt, dust and bugs, it causes your engine to work harder and your car becomes less fuel-efficient.  Replacing your car’s air filter can improve your gas mileage by as much as 10 percent.

- Use the right oil.  You can improve your car’s gas mileage by 1 to 2 percent by using the manufacturer’s recommended grade of motor oil.  Opt for motor oil with the words “energy conserving” on the API performance label.  This oil contains friction-reducing additives.

- Don’t skimp on maintenance.  Be serious about auto care.  Your car’s performance depends on it.

These helpful tips have been recommended by the Car Care Council.  You can find other helpful information at carcare.org.

At snjcarcovers.com, we sell covers to protect the outside of your vehicle, but it is equally important to care for your car’s “insides.”

The Bumper Badger Bumper Guard

The all new Bumper Badger has been redesigned and is better than before.  It installs in seconds.  You simply flip it out of your trunk when you park on the street or in a public garage and flip it back in when you leave.

The Bumper Badger features triple stitched straps that cannot be pulled out once the trunk is closed.  It is made from durable, impact-resistant pvc, and its new dimensions make it bigger than any of its competitors.   Its weatherproof design won’t fade or deteriorate over time.  It washes clean in seconds and dries quickly for easy maintenance.

The purpose of this accessory is to protect your car’s bumper from those drivers who tend to park a little too close!

Check out this and other useful accessories for your vehicle at snjcarcovers.com.

Elite Premium Waterproof Limousine Covers

We at SNJ Car Covers & Accessories are pleased to add the Elite Premium 100% waterproof limousine covers to our online store.  As with the other Elite Premium covers that we have already been carrying, these limousine covers are made from three layers of SFS Rain Shield to protect your vehicle from harsh elements such as rain, snow, tree sap, bird droppings and other dirt.

Other features of the Elite Premium limousine cover are the ultrasonically welded seams for prevention of water penetration, UV treatment for stability and heat reduction, reinforced side grommets for use with the FREE cover cable lock provided with purchase and elasticized front and rear hems to ensure a snug fit.  Each cover comes with a FREE storage bag and an incredible two year warranty.

Be sure to check out this latest addition to our online store at snjcarcovers.com.

Keeping Your Car Cover Clean and in Good Condition

Once you have decided which car cover is the right one to meet your needs, you need to know how to care for it properly.  Your cover is going to help you take better care of your car,  so you need to keep it in good condition for years of use.

If you chose to machine wash your cover, use a commercial washer -  these covers are much too large for a household machine.  Be sure to use a delicate soap such as Woolite and set the washer to “Delicate.”

You may also decide to wash your cover by hand.  If so, we suggest that you install it on your car first.  Dilute a mild liquid detergent like Woolite in cold or warm water and lightly cleanse with a sponge.

When it comes to drying your cover, we suggest that you air dry on a clothes line.  If you use a dryer, DO NOT use heat, as this will shrink the cover.

In addition to keeping your car cover clean, there are a couple of other things to remember to keep it in good condition.  First of all, if you live in a high wind area, be sure to tie down your cover using the grommets provided.  Do not rely solely on the elasticized hems of your cover to provide maximum protection from strong winds.

Also, during freezing weather, in unusual circumstances, a layer of ice may form between your vehicle and the cover.  This layer of ice must be thawed before removing the cover.  You may help the thawing process along by pouring warm water over the cover and gently lifting the cover as the ice begins to melt.  If any resistance occurs, repeat the process.

All of the vehicle covers that we sell at snjcarcovers.com CAN be washed.  Check them out!

Choosing the Right Car Cover

With so many different vehicle covers to chose from, it is difficult to know which one is right for you.  There are several factors to consider when making the final choice.

First of all, what is your budget?  How much you are planning to spend on a vehicle cover will play a large role in the choice you make.  As is the case with most products, the more you are willing to spend, the more features you will get in a cover.  At snjcarcovers.com, we have inexpensive  covers – the Elite Guard Economy car cover, as well as the top of the line four layer Elite Supreme car cover.  The Elite Premium waterproof covers and Elite Tyvek covers fall in between these in price.

Secondly, you have to know what you expect from the vehicle cover you purchase.  All four Elite vehicle covers are good for indoor use.  If you want a waterproof cover, you can check out the Elite Premium Waterproof covers or the Elite Tyvek covers.  For UV protection and heat reduction, the Elite Tyvek cover is the right choice.  If you are looking for all weather protection from the elements including ice and snow, you can choose from the Elite Premium or the Elite Supreme line of vehicle covers.

Another factor to consider when choosing a vehicle cover is the warranty.  You want to be sure you get a good warranty.  Our Elite Economy covers are warrantied for one year, the Elite Premium Waterproof and Elite Tyvek covers carry a two year warranty and the Elite Supreme deluxe covers come with an incredible three year warranty!

So now that you know how much you want to spend, what you expect your cover to do for your vehicle and what kind of warranty you are looking for, you are ready to shop for the right cover for your vehicle.

Come on in and check out the full line of Elite vehicle covers at snjcarcovers.com.