Correct oil pressure is critical. Do you know what to do if the dashboard light turns on?

There are a number of dashboard warning lights that can pop on at any minute. Everyone knows what the battery light is for, but a lot of other lights require pulling out the owner’s manual. In the coming months, we are going to take a look at different lights and what they stand for to help make it a little clearer.

One light most of us recognize is the old-fashioned oil can. But do you really understand what it means and what can happen to your vehicle if you ignore it?

Let’s start with the basics: Your engine oil performs several duties. The first is to lubricate the dozens of metallic parts in the engine and reduce friction so that they move smoothly. The second is to help disperse heat that the engine generates, preventing the parts from melting or being damaged by the heat. A third job of the oil is to collect dirt and debris and relocate it to the engine oil filter.

When you first turn your engine on, the low oil pressure warning light automatically lights up but then should go off within a couple of seconds. If it stays lit or comes on while driving, get to a safe place and turn the engine off immediately. This light means you are either losing or burning oil, which is a major problem, or that the oil pressure unit that sends the alert has failed, which is a relatively minor problem. But you probably won’t know which problem it is unless you get it checked out.

If your oil pressure light comes on, it’s best to have your vehicle towed and let us figure out what is wrong before any damage is done. If there is an oil leak, you might need gaskets and seals replaced, or perhaps the oil filter simply wasn’t installed properly during your last oil change. If the engine is burning oil, you could need any number of internal engine parts replaced, including valve guides or piston rings.

The problem also might be a worn or broken oil pump, a plugged oil pickup screen in the engine’s crankcase, possibly a plugged oil filter or excessive bearing wear. And if you’re lucky, it might just be a failed oil pressure sending unit.

If that light flashes on, don’t delay. Pull over and contact us at Duxler Libertyville so we can evaluate your vehicle and get you back on the road before any serious damage is done.

Want to save money and prevent aggravation? Get a used car inspection

Question: I am in the market for a used car, but I want to make sure I’m not buying a vehicle that’s going to break down or cost me a bunch of money. What can I do?

Answer: The best way to protect yourself and your wallet is to bring the vehicle you are interested in purchasing into Duxler Libertyville for a full used car inspection. Our ASE-Certified Master Technicians will perform a 60-point inspection to determine what shape the car or truck is in and what repairs might be needed now or down the road.

It’s important to get an inspection whether you are buying from a private seller or a dealership. These inspections are a good idea for “certified” pre-owned cars, too.

Think about it this way: The previous owner and/or selling party doesn’t want to invest money into a car they are trying to sell. They aren’t going to invest hundreds of dollars for new tires or brakes if they don’t absolutely have to. If the vehicle needs work done and you don’t know about it, it’s money out of your pocket and it could be a safety issue, as well.

Here’s another option: If you know the vehicle needs work and still really want to buy it, you can use your knowledge about the needed repairs to negotiate a better price.

When it comes to your safety and saving money, being proactive and spending a little cash now can save you from spending thousands of dollars on a car that’s not worth it.

7 tips for battling record high gas prices

Gas prices in the Chicago area were at a record high at the beginning of March—$3.92 for a gallon of regular unleaded. Even though they dipped briefly, they are back on the rise. In fact, AAA predicts that Chicago-area drivers could once again be paying the highest prices in the country by late spring.

To help you combat those rising prices, we’ve compiled some tips that you can use to reduce gas mileage—and how often you have fill up your tank.

1. Slow down: While initially you might think this is a painful way to cut gas costs, leaving a few minutes early and driving at 60 instead of 65 makes a huge difference in your gas usage. According to Fueleconomy.gov, each 5 mph you drive over 60 mph is like paying an additional 24 cents per gallon for gas. That 24 cents a gallon adds up really quickly, especially when you are only saving 5 minutes on your trip. And at any speed, every 10 mph faster reduces fuel economy by about 4 mpg, a figure that remains fairly constant regardless of vehicle size.

2. Properly inflate your tires: The right amount of air can improve your gas mileage up to 3 percent. Check the pressure frequently, but make sure to check when the tires are cold. Pressure increases when the tires are hot from being driven.

3. Reduce the amount of time you use the air conditioner: The A/C can reduce miles per gallon anywhere from 5 percent to 25 percent. Instead, park in the shade to keep your vehicle cooler, drive with the windows open (which doesn’t affect mpg nearly as much as the air conditioner), or use the economy or recirculated air options.

4. Use cruise control: On flatter terrain, cruise control can improve your fuel economy by up to 14 percent. There’s some debate about whether cruise control saves gas when it comes to hills, but give it a try and see how it affects your gas mileage.

5. Make sure your vehicle is in good running order: That means wheels are properly aligned, the air filter is clean and the oil is changed regularly. Fixing a more serious problem, such as a faulty oxygen sensor, can improve your gas mileage by as much as 40 percent.

6. Shop around: Gas stations can vary widely in what they are charging per gallon. Keep an eye out when you are driving (before you need to fill up) so you can make a stop part of your trip. There’s also a number of websites and applications that let you search for cheaper gas in your area (or the area you are headed to).

7. When it comes to actually filling your tank, there are several ways to reduce the number on the pump:

• Fill up with a lower-octane gas. Unless your car specifically requires a premium grade, don’t waste your money. It won’t increase your fuel economy or performance, but it will empty your wallet.

• Don’t top off. Stop pumping when the automatic nozzle indicates the tank is full. Any additional gas you add could seep out or evaporate.

• Tighten the gas cap. Loose, missing or damaged gas caps cause 147 million gallons of gas to evaporate each year, according to the Car Care Council.