Improving fuel economy is very important to most drivers. Driver-actions, such as idling, jackrabbit starts and carrying extra weight in the car, are often the culprit for ongoing poor gas mileage. However, a sudden change in fuel efficiency absent any obvious driver behaviors can indicate a more serious problem. Keep vehicles in peak operating condition and maximize miles per gallon all the time.

  • A noticeable drop in fuel economy after an oil change can indicate the car received the wrong oil during the change. Poor performance, temperature extremes and a drop in mpg indicate an incorrect oil viscosity. Oils that reduce engine friction, either synthetics or the oil recommended in the Owner’s Manual, may resolve the problem.
  • Improperly inflated tires can cut gas mileage by over three percent because the friction between the tire and the road is out of proportion. Pounds per square inch (PSI) are listed on the side of the tire. This represents the maximum inflation for the tire, but not necessarily the right pressure for road conditions and temperature. Check tires frequently and keep them at the manufacturer’s recommended pressure for conditions.
  • Newer cars have computer-run thermostats that regulate engine coolant. If this thermostat is broken or defective, the vehicle cools itself all the time even if cooling is not needed. The result is bad gas mileage and poor vehicle performance. Have a mechanic run diagnostic tests and replace the thermostat if it is malfunctioning.
  • Older vehicles that use carburetors may suffer from clogged or dirty air filters. This results in a gas mixture that is too rich due to poor air intake. The car uses more fuel, which not only lowers gas mileage but also harms the engine. In vehicles without carburetors, blocked air filters cause poor acceleration but not mileage decreases.
  • Malfunctioning oxygen sensors also help regulate the mixture of air and gas in the engine. This can affect gas mileage by 20 percent or more. Have air filters cleaned and unclogged, and replace oxygen sensors if needed to improve engine performance and efficiency.
  • Misfiring spark plugs, corroded spark plug wires and bad spark plugs contribute to poor mileage statistics. They work together to ignite combustion in the engine, so a problem with any of these areas causes the engine to work hard to maintain operations.
  • Fuel injectors are the mechanism for getting gas into the engine. If the injectors have gone bad or have a leak, less fuel enters the engine. This makes vehicles with malfunctioning fuel injectors run less efficiently.

If you are looking for honest advice, prioritized repairs, options on repairs, maximized fuel economy, and a good feeling with who you are doing business with go to http://www.westsideautopros.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ron_Haugen

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When a high-pitched squeal or whine comes from the engine compartment of a car, one very frequent reason is a belt failure or pending failure. Take the car to a qualified mechanic as soon as possible for diagnostics and belt replacement. Broken belts cause damage to many areas of a car and this damage is far more expensive to fix than the cost to replace a worn-down belt.

  1. Engine and accessory belts power many engine parts, including the power steering, air conditioner compressor, alternator, power steering and more. A broken belt, especially on that affects a critical system, often leaves the car dead until repaired.
  1. Think about how long ago the car’s timing belt was changed. If it was over 100,000 miles ago, then have a good mechanic inspect the vehicle and decide if belts need to be changed.
  1. They are made over rubber with small teeth that grip the wheels it operates. As the rubber wears down, it begins to slip. The wheel turning it still moves, but the belt slips or does not move at all. This causes the loud squeal.
  1. The engine belt squeal is a warning sound that it is going bad. It still works, but it will deteriorate and fail quickly due to the excess friction and heat generated by the slipping.
  1. Engine belts that become too worn eventually snap, leaving drivers stranded. Quick fixes, like lubricants, are available. However, a temporary solution like conditioner is no substitute for qualified maintenance.
  1. Different vehicles use different belt systems. Some cars have a different one for each system while others have a serpentine type that runs multiple systems. The air conditioner belt is usually a separate one, so squeals might only be heard when the AC is engaged.
  1. When mechanics replace or tighten engine belts, they should care for every one in the car. Condition and wear are not the only causes of their problems. Often it may just be a matter of tightening them. Mechanics may change every one except the timing belt during a regular tune-up.
  1. During a tune-up, many items including engine belts and spark plugs are changed. Drivers who notice engine squeals should check the time since their last tune-up. It may be time for another one.

Knowing this, you will now know more ways to prevent a all types of them breaking and potentially breaking your engine. You will also know some warning signs a belt going bad.

If you are looking for honest advice, prioritized repairs, options on repairs, maximized fuel economy, and a good feeling with who you are doing business with go to http://www.westsideautopros.com

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Best Auto Repair Shop Urbandale | http://www.westsideautopros.com Ron Haugen Presents Auto Repair Des Moines and Auto Repair Urbandale Tips With Today’s Topic: Ask Ron The Car Guy – Viewer Questions

By Ron Haugen

Transmissions take engine power and use it to power a car’s movement. Without a working transition, the car will not move. Many transmissions suffer neglect, even though replacing or rebuilding a transmission is one of the costliest auto repair services. Simply following manufacturer or dealer service recommendations for changing transmission fluid can avoid thousands of dollars in repairs.

Symptoms of a Problem

It is important to be alert to early signs of transmission trouble. Early intervention with transmission problems can mean minor, budget-friendly repairs. Delaying maintenance can lead to mechanical failures. In the case of transmissions, this means the engine shuts down completely. The only solution then is either transmission replacement or rebuilding. Get the car inspected at the first hint of trouble.

  • Transmission slips between gears while driving, or it pops back into neutral
  • Grinding, humming or clunking sounds from the engine, especially in neutral
  • Dark, burnt-smelling transmission fluid
  • Clutch stays engaged and grinds when trying to shift – also called clutch dragging
  • Delays or lags between gear changes
  • Thumping or grinding during gear changes rather than smooth transitions
  • Higher than normal RPMs for a speed or gear change
  • Delays shifting out of park
  • Takes longer than one second to engage in drive or reverse gear

Rebuilding a Transmission

If a transmission fails completely or has significant problems, the usual solutions are rebuilding it, replacing it or (hopefully) making smaller repairs that resolve the problem

Rebuilding transmissions is a lengthy and labor-intensive process. Before any rebuild begins, the mechanic should check for easier solutions.

  1. Change transmission fluid.
  2. Check the car’s computer system that controls automatic shifting. Replace sensors if needed

If these processes do not resolve the problem, rebuilding or replacing the transmission is the only available option.

  1. Remove the transmission and opening the case
  2. Inspecting and cleaning all components
  3. Replacing damaged or worn out “soft” parts like seals, O-rings, gaskets, bands, valves, filters and clutch components.
  4. Inspect “hard” parts like shafts, pumps, converters, casing and gears for damage.
  5. Test and repair electrical system.
  6. Reassemble transmission and reinstall it
  7. Test drive to ensure repairs are completed

Costs of Transmission Repair

Costs to rebuild a transmission may be less or more than the cost to replace it. It depends on the complexity of repairs needed in the existing transmission.

  • A complete overhaul of a transmission might cost more than purchasing and installing a new transmission.
  • Replacements can cost $2000 to $4000 or more, depending on the make and model of the vehicle.
  • Complete transmission rebuilds and overhauls can cost as much as the higher end replacement costs.
  • Basic transmission repairs such as replacing the clutch on a manual transmission car may cost an average of $1000 to $2000.

Other factors that influence the costs of transmission repairs:

  • Domestic cars generally cost less to repair than high-end or imported cars
  • Extent of the transmission damage
  • Newer, better maintained cars cost less to repair
  • It is harder and more expensive to find parts for older or rare cars
  • Standard transmissions are cheaper to fix or replace than automatics
  • City, state and regional differences in repair and replacement costs

If you are looking for honest advice, prioritized repairs, options on repairs, maximized fuel economy, and a good feeling with who you are doing business with go to http://www.askronthecarguy.com

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Camshafts are responsible for timing the opening and shutting of engine valves, and as such are integral to the engine’s mechanical performance. Cams may be made of solid steel, low-grade steel or iron. They run the length of the engine head and have uneven-looking lobes set at regular intervals along the shaft. Under normal conditions and with adequate preventive maintenance, camshafts should last a great many miles.

As the engine runs, the cam turns using a chain or belt attached to the end of the crankshaft. This pushes the rods along the lobes, applying pressure to the valves and forcing them open during that phase of the engine stroke. The movement of the lobes then allows valves to close once the stroke ends. Lobe shape regulates engine timing and the time valves spend open. As such, lobe shape directly affects engine performance.

Symptoms of Camshaft Problems

  • Failing camshafts make a “ticking” sound or “valve clatter”
  • Engine makes “popping” sounds or backfires
  • Poor gas mileage or poor engine performance
  • Trouble starting
  • Signs get progressively worse
  • Dark, oily exhaust

If the valve train fails completely, the vehicle is immobilized. Fuel delivery and exhaust removal do not function.

Reasons for Camshaft Problems

  • Failing camshafts usually signal other problems
  • Cams fail due to other problems in the engine’s valve train.
  • Oil can be starved in the engine head, causing increased friction where the cam and rods meet, or causing excessive heat on the cam
  • Rocker arm assemblies can be adjusted incorrectly and cause binding
  • Valve springs may bind or break
  • Occasional manufacturer errors of shipping damage to the cam
  • Pitting or scratching on the camshaft from contaminated lubricants
  • Mechanical and material stress over time
  • Failure to change the oil and adjust valves as recommended
  • Poor quality fuel or contaminated oil

Repair and Replacement Costs

  • Replacing camshafts requires disassembling the engine timing components including belts and pulley.
  • Camshaft replacement requires intensive and difficult labor, driving up costs.
  • Camshaft replacement can cost between $1500 to over $3000, depending on the car and the repairs required.
  • The price of the camshaft alone can be between $250 and $1000 or more, depending on the model of the car.
  • Foreign camshafts may cost two to three times more than domestic ones.
  • Labor prices may be anywhere from $20 to $100 per hour
  • The average camshaft repair takes five to seven hours
  • There will be additional costs for engine parts that support the camshaft and the engine.
  • A camshaft position sensor will be needed, costing upwards of $150.

If you are looking for honest advice, prioritized repairs, options on repairs, maximized fuel economy, and a good feeling with who you are doing business with go to http://www.askronthecarguy.com

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Minor fender benders, hailstorms and shopping cart attacks commonly cause damage to your car’s outer shell. These imperfections affect the appearance of the car as well as reducing its resale value. It is easy to repair most minor damage with modern technology.

The Department of Transportation National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that up to 70 percent of all car accidents leave vehicles in drivable but damaged condition

  • 30 percent are rear impact
  • 29 percent are side impact
  • 16 percent involve collisions with stationary items like light poles
  • Collisions with animals, especially deer, impact over one million drivers in the US every year.

Repairing scratches in the car’s finish can be tricky, too.

  • Superficial scratches in the clear coat or base paint can be sanded and buffed out in just a few hours. Technicians then apply wax to seal in the repairs.
  • Deep scratches that extend to the primer or even the metal of the car body take more time and work to repair.
  • Often cars with deep scratches and creases must be repainted after repairs are done.

Repairing chipped paint is usually fast and easy.

  • Repair paint chips promptly and prevent future rust problems from developing in the exposed metal areas.
  • Many express chip repair shops have opened around the country, offering service in just a few hours.
  • The results are nearly invisible and come at a fraction of the cost of other repairs.

A “dent” is any impact into the metal exterior of the car that causes the metal to stretch and distort from its original shape.

  • Dents go inward and warp the metal outward around the edges of the dip.
  • The depth of the dent determines the type of repair needed to restore the car.
  • Large, shallow dents can be treated with Paintless Dent Removal (PDR) methods.
  • Tiny but very deep impacts stretch the metal too far for PDR methods.
  • Any cracked paint in or around a dent usually indicates the dent is too deep for a PDR repair.
  • Dents in the hood, trunk, top deck and rear quarter panels of cars are usually more expensive to repair.

Paintless Dent Removal (PDR) is a fast, relatively inexpensive way to repair minor dings, dents, hail damage, scratches and imperfections.

  • PDR methods repair the damage from behind, leaving the original finish of the car in great shape.
  • PDR uses no paints, no fillers and no expensive auto body repair shop equipment.
  • Most insurance companies, who recommend it due to the cost-saving measures, approve the procedure.
  • Drivers usually get their car fixed in just a few hours
  • Paintless Dent Repair is also safer for the environment.
  • PDR restores cars to their original condition without owners having to worry about mismatched paint.
  • Technicians do not have to sand the repaired metal
  • Cars stay structurally sound with their factory finishes intact.

Experienced auto body and PDR technicians strongly advise car owners not to attempt fixing dents and ding at home with cheap “do it yourself” kits. These kits usually leave damage looking worse, costing owners hundreds of dollars to get the dents re-repaired at a body shop. Of course, if your car is older and appearance is not an issue, give a “do it yourself” kit a try.

If you are looking for honest advice, prioritized repairs, options on repairs, maximized fuel economy, and a good feeling with who you are doing business with go to http://www.westsideautopros.com

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According to CarMD’s 2013 Vehicle Health Index, the cost for car repairs has increased 10 percent this year. Putting off car repairs is a bad idea because unfixed problems often lead to repairs that are more expensive. If the check engine light comes on in your car, take the car to a qualified mechanic immediately. Here are the top eight most frequent reasons for the check engine light activation.

1. Oxygen sensor failing

Oxygen sensors keep engines performing at peak efficiency levels, and they manage emissions. O2 sensors monitor gasses leaving the engine. Engines need exact ratios of fuel and air for the most efficient operation. Malfunctions can drop your fuel economy by up to 40 percent. Engine performance is also negatively affected.

2. Ignition coil problems

Ignition coils take electric current from the battery and ignite the spark plugs. Without properly functioning coils and spark plugs, the electric current powering your car’s engine are disrupted. All the parts in the car’s electrical system take a lot of wear and tear from the electricity passing through them.

3. Spark plugs and spark plug wires

Along with the ignition coils, spark plugs and wires are critical components of the vehicle electrical system. Symptoms of problems with plugs and wires include rough engine idling, engine misses or pings, erratic engine power including power losses and power surges. When engines misfire, fuel economy drops. Ignoring spark plug and plug wire problems can permanently damage the car’s catalytic converter, leading to very expensive repairs.

4. Mass airflow sensor malfunctions

The mass airflow sensor, or MAF, measures the air coming into the engine and calculating how much fuel to add to the mix. This data goes to the Engine Control Unit (ECU). Without correct information from the MAF, the ECU cannot correctly balance or deliver the right amount of fuel to your engine. The result is very poor engine performance and 10 to 25 percent decreases in fuel efficiency. Replace this critical component immediately if it begins to fail.

5. Faulty vacuum hose or evaporative emission control system

The evaporative emission control system (EVAP) of a car keeps gasoline vapors from the fuel system and gas tank from release into the air. Leaking vacuum hoses and vents, defective valves and faulty gas caps all contribute to EVAP system problems.

6. Exhaust gas recirculation valve and ports are dirty

The exhaust gas recirculation system (EGR) controls your car’s emissions and helps cars run more efficiently. Rough idling, engine hesitation and misfires can indicate an EGR problem. Worsening performance and fuel economy often result from EGR problems. Often the components of the EGR system are dirty or clogged.

7. Catalytic converter failures

Catalytic converters are often the most expensive mechanical repairs made to vehicles. As a part of the exhaust system, it converts dangerous chemicals in car exhaust into less harmful compounds to release into the air. Catalytic converters should last for the lifetime of the car. Most problems with catalytic converters come from underlying problems such as those that occur with bad spark plugs or ignition coil problems.

8. Dead battery and charging system problems

Most cars have computer systems that monitor voltage in the electrical and battery systems. The computers activate the check engine light when anything appears amiss in the charging system of the car. High temperatures in the engine compartment contribute to rapid aging of batteries.

If you are looking for honest advice, prioritized repairs, options on repairs, maximized fuel economy, and a good feeling with who you are doing business with go to http://www.westsideautopros.com

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With so many natural disasters occurring, including floods and hurricanes, knowing how to spot flood damage in a vehicle is critical. Some damage is relatively minor but most can ruin the value and operation of the car. Good dealers can make flood-damaged cars look great, but they cannot remove the risk.

Consider several factors that can influence the damage done by a flood.

  1. How deeply was the car underwater? If the water did not reach the electronics, the vehicle might suffer rust or corrosion, but it might not have major or even life-threatening problems. Deeply submerged cars run a significant risk for dangerous problems.
  2. How long was the car under water? Longer submersions equal greater damage.
  3. Was it fresh water or salt water that flooded the car? Salt water causes more corrosion and faster corrosion than fresh water.

Check for indicators of severe floodwater damage when inspecting and test driving any car.

1. Look at the car title. If it says “Flood” or “Salvage” on it, it was deemed irreparable by an insurance company, a bank or an owner. Expect problems unless major, expensive repairs were done.

2. Beware of prices far below market value. Flood damage voids the manufacturer’s warranty. Unless the seller can prove they completed major restoration and repair, buyers take a big financial risk for major repairs. Consider the cost of these likely repairs when deciding how much to pay for the car.

3. Most flood-damaged cars will have very low or no resale value if the new owner attempts to sell them later.

4. Ask the dealer if there was any flood damage, and make them put the answer in writing. If they hesitate or refuse, be concerned.

5. Be alert to odors of mold and mildew. These are very difficult to remove and indicate the car sat in significant amounts of water. Similarly, strong air fresheners may indicate attempts to cover up bad odors.

6. Check hidden areas for moisture.

  1. Check the carpet and underneath the carpet if possible.
  2. Check the trunk for moisture.
  3. Feel the material underneath the spare tire.
  4. Check the headlights, taillights, mirrors and instrument panels for moisture or a foggy appearance. This indicates water inside the area.
  5. Check for dampness or water lines in the overhang inside the wheel wells.
  6. Feel underneath seats and in the seating tracks for dampness.
  7. Feel inside the glove box for moisture.
  8. Look at the oil on the engine dipstick. Water-affected oil may be pale or milky, and it may be sticky to the touch.

7. Debris inside the car or engine compartment, engine crevices, around wiring, inside or under the dashboard may indicate the car was underwater.

8. Look for rust and corrosion on metal surfaces such as hinges, springs, screws and latches. Check for corrosion where the car doors meet the auto body. Seat springs and the undercarriage of the car may also show signs of rust and corrosion.

9. Examine the interior upholstery of the car. Look for water stains on the surfaces of seats and underneath seats. Be suspicious if the carpet in an old car looks brand new. Make sure the fabric on doors and the headliner are about the same age as the carpet and the car. Another clue is mismatched upholstery where some sections are faded, others are newer, or patterns are not aligned.

10. Test the electronic systems before and during a test drive

  1. Bend a few electrical wires under the dashboard. If they are brittle, it is probably due to water damage.
  2. During the test drive, listen for odd sounds during starting. See if the car smokes during starting.
  3. Check to make sure all dash lights come on, including backlighting, when starting the car.
  4. Make sure the headlights, taillights, turn signals and emergency blinkers work.
  5. Turn on windshield wipers, air conditioning and heater to make sure they work.
  6. Test the radio. Distorted audio, severe static or lack of audio can be the result of water damage.

The best way to determine if a car has flood damage is to have it inspected by your own mechanic. Good mechanics know where to look for indicators of problems, and they can get to difficult places like alternators, pumps and some wiring. Mechanics should remove the wheels and inspect all brake parts and components for silt and mud. Used cars represent a significant investment, so make sure to get one that will not cost even more money down the road.
If you are looking for honest advice, prioritized repairs, options on repairs, maximized fuel economy, and a good feeling with who you are doing business with go to http://www.askronthecarguy.com

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Paying for expensive car repairs is never fun, and they never occur when you are flush with cash. Most common problems that cause car breakdowns are preventable with good vehicle maintenance.

1. Engine Misfires

These occur when the spark plugs fire at the wrong times or do not fire at all. There are many reasons this can happen. Repairs range from cheap and easy to very expensive. Replace spark plugs every 60,000 miles and follow the maintenance schedule in the owner’s manual of the car. Keep the engine tuned up according to schedule and have a yearly trouble-code scan to find potential problems before they become major issues.

2. Evaporative Emissions Systems Control (EVAP) Leaks and Failures

The EVAP system traps gas tank fumes to ensure the gas and the vapors stay separate. Corrosion often damages the lines in the system, and sometimes the EVAP canister fails. Always refasten the gas cap tightly after refueling. Turning the cap until it clicks at least three times is good practice. Have a good rust protection application to keep corrosion in the system lines minimized.

3. Problems with “System too Lean” Error Code

The “System Too Lean” warning light can appear for several reasons ranging from the car needing a software update to a major engine failure like broken gaskets or cracked cylinder heads. Bad vacuum lines, faulty sensors, problems with the injector driver and similar issues commonly cause this error code. If this error code appears, have the car checked by a mechanic as soon as possible. Most regular maintenance and upkeep schedules help prevent these problems.

4. Catalytic Converter Failures

Catalytic converters fail due to leaks caused by rust and corrosion, or from carbon buildup or other problems causing internal plugs in the system. Uncontrolled fuel delivery causes the plugs, but many mechanics do not check this. They simply replace the catalytic converter, only to have the new one fail in a few months. Keep engines on schedule for maintenance and tune ups as recommended in the owner’s manual, and make sure the mechanic checks the fuel delivery system if the catalytic converter is replaced.

5. Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) Systems Breakdown

The EGR system lowers formation of harmful air pollutants inside the combustion chambers of the engine. Unburned gas builds up in the form of carbon, electrical controls fail, and the EGR valves experience wear and tear. Get a professional fuel system cleaning every 30,000 miles to prevent carbon buildup.

6. Brake Pads

Replacing brake pads before they completely wear out prevents costly brake rotor replacements. Listen for screeching or grinding sounds when stopping, as these noises indicate the pads need attention. Have a mechanic inspect the brake pads regularly, and replace them when they start to thin.

In summary, any time a “Check Engine” light or other alert appears on the dash display, get the engine checked as soon as possible. The warning indicators are there for a reason, so do not ignore them. Sometimes the problems are minor and easy to fix, and other times they indicate a pending disaster. Quick attention to the indicators lessens the chances of permanent vehicle damage and expensive mechanic bills.

If you are looking for honest advice, prioritized repairs, options on repairs, maximized fuel economy, and a good feeling with who you are doing business with go to http://www.askronthecarguy.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ron_Haugen
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Healthy and green fuel alternatives are creating a buzz as sustainability has become a popular topic of conversation in media and government. Traditional fuel is becoming more expensive, and many people are looking for alternatives that are not only cheaper, but also better for the environment. People are beginning to take notice of the harm they are causing the planet by burning gasoline and fossil fuels. Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) is a gasoline alternative for fueling vehicles that is quickly gaining popularity.

There are many reasons why converting a vehicle to CNG is a good option:

  1. It provides fuel efficiency, greater than that of gasoline. It can also reduce fuel costs by up to one-third if home refueling is an option. At the station, CNG can cost up to 30% less than gasoline- still very significant savings.
  2. CNG is a cleaner fuel to burn than gasoline. CNG reduces the amount of carbon monoxide that is released into the air- about 97% less carbon monoxide emissions than gasoline. Greenhouse gas emissions and carcinogenic pollution excretions are also significantly reduced by use of it.
  3. CNG is safer than gasoline because it is a clean burning fuel. If CNG is spilled, it will release into the atmosphere, as it is of a lighter weight than air. When gasoline is spilled, the contents pool on the ground and cause hazard because the contents are highly flammable. It is advantageous to use it because the contents are stored in tanks designed to release the gas more slowly. This helps to mitigate hazard.
  4. CNG is in high demand, but there is adequate supply to support demand and beyond, particularly in the United States. Fueling stations are currently being built to supply gas to a greater population, and there are already more then 1,000 fueling stations in the US.
  5. It requires a one-time conversion of the vehicle. The CNG tanks will be placed in the trunk or back area of the vehicle, again these being very safe even in the event of a crash or accidental opening. Once the car has been converted, it is ready to run on CNG. There is very little upkeep involved, aside from the regular refilling and maintenance of the tanks.

CNG is a viable alternative to the gasoline that is currently used to fill most cars. It is a clean fuel that reduces air pollution emissions while remaining cost effective.

If you are looking for honest advice, prioritized repairs, options on repairs, maximized fuel economy, and a good feeling with who you are doing business with go to http://www.westsideautopros.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ron_Haugen
http://EzineArticles.com/?5-Reasons-to-Convert-Your-Vehicle-to-CNG-(Compressed-Natural-Gas)&id=8130674