Yokohama Tires

 

With ever increasing energy prices, our attention turns toward better fuel economy, before we select our next automobile. The good news is, today's modern cars are vastly more fuel efficient and more economical than cars just 5 years ago.

However, only a well maintained, cared for automobile, can deliver their targeted fuel economy or their best gas mileage, if equipped with proper seasonal  (winter) tires in cold weather.

The fuel economy is effected by a lot of things and some of them need to be checked, serviced, adjusted, maintained on the regular basics.

For example incorrect tire pressure, clogged air filter, improper alignment will reduce your cars efficiency at all times, especially in winter weather. The same applies to the other seasons as well.

Properly working cooling system important. For instance an improperly tuned engine with faulty thermostat will decrease your gas mileage by a large margin. Today's modern engines need their optimum temperature to perform at their very best.

We all know our way of driving will have an immediate effect on the actual fuel consumption. Spirited driving will in fact burn more fuel, heavy traffic stop and go will all take their toll on our cars efficiency.

Optimal engine performance is greatly effected by falling temperatures, since cold weather enrichment will be increased in our engines. Takes longer for your car's engine to warm up in colder weather, and on short trips, your vehicle operates a smaller percentage of time at the desired temperature.

We will ultimately use more fuel for the same distance driven as opposed to warmer weather.

Long idling, extended warm up will not help to achieve better efficiency either. Block heaters may save you more on the long run, their positive effects are significantly shorter warm up period, increased engine life and less fuel spend on cold mornings. Not to mention increased comfort, due to plenty of heat available in an instant will pay for itself many times over. They are a lot better investment than remote starters.

Manufacturers spend fortunes to increase your automobiles fuel efficiency, not withstanding aerodynamics, wind tunnel testing which in turn refines your vehicles air resistance. Worth to keep in mind since there are new legislation's regarding most governments involvement by enforcing ever increasing fuel efficiency standards.

Cold, dry air is about 12 percent more dense than warm summer air (hence increased air resistance in winter) highway fuel consumption will increase at least 1.5 percent, not counting higher rolling resistance due to slush and snow on the roads ahead.

Manufacturers will not overlook any small detail to gain better fuel economy in the future. There are many aspects of modern auto manufacturing has been influenced by this changes. Their quest for better fuel efficiency has no limits, for instance low rolling resistance modern tires to weight savings achieved by using light but strong exotic alloys, carbon fiber panels, alloy fasteners and the list goes on and on.

For example BMW is at the forefront of this massive modern automobile make over. They have a multi alloy (aluminum, magnesium) engine block, with ultra light magnesium fasteners, electric water pump, valvetronic engine management (to reduce pumping losses in the piston engine) on demand alternator charging -- battery monitoring, engine shut down when coasting. Every aspect of energy management has been analyzed to the last detail to give you the edge and bring you the most fuel efficient, but fun car to drive at your pleasure.

We all know the typical cold Canadian winter will create difficult road and driving conditions. Timely preparation will have their rewards, with more relaxed safer travel thru the worst of winter. We had some mild winters but we also had our fair share of bad ones as well.

Clients often ask us: Do I really need winter tires?

I say, do you wear your flip flops in winter? Our climate demands your car to be in great shape to cope with all sorts of quickly changing weather and their effects. Being prepared makes all the difference when the going gets tough, so why take your chances?

Winter tires are essential at this parallel around the world.  Winter tires has a softer compound to make them stick to the cold road surface, has multiple deep sipes to clear slush, snow. In icy cold water, their increased adhesion makes all the difference between safe and confident driving versus slipping and sliding everywhere.

Winter preparation of your fine automobile should include testing and maintaining your vehicles electrical system, that includes lights, battery, belts, alternator and starter. They all work together for your ultimate safety. Today's modern cars are an engineering marvel after all.

Please do your best to be safe and sound as the season changes.
 

Call us for more info:  905.795.0419