KANSAS CITY AND OVERLAND PARK AUTO REPAIR

People in Kansas City often ask the question: “Will using premium gas make my car run better?” The answer is simple. But first, let’s talk about what exactly premium gasoline is. Different grades of gasoline have different octane ratings. Regular gasoline has the lowest octane rating and premium the highest. Most gas stations around Kansas City & Overland Park also carry a mid-grade that falls in between the two. The octane range for the different grades of gas varies by region due to altitude differences. Engines require different octane ratings because of design differences. For example, turbocharged engines usually require premium gas. There’s a sticker on your gas tank filler lid that tells you the minimum octane rating yourmanufacturer recommends. Read your owner’s manual carefully to see if it’s acceptable to use lower grades. With some ... read more

Something you’re going to be hearing a lot about around Kansas City, MO is diesel engines. We’re not talking about semi-trucks and buses – We’re talking about diesel engine cars, pick-ups and SUVs. Most people in Kansas City, MO are surprised to learn that around half the cars on the road in Europe have diesel engines. Nearly all import auto manufacturers offer a range of diesel engines abroad – even the ultra-luxury brands like Mercedes and BMW. For the most part, these diesel engines haven’t been available in Kansas City, MO. But that’s about to change. In the past, North American diesel fuel has had a much higher sulfur content than European fuel. Recent environmental laws have required changes in diesel formulation and emissions standards here in Kansas City, MO so we are now ready to start seeing more diesel options offered over the next few years. Why are so many interested in diesel engines? Well first off ... read more

If the fuel system in your sedan is dirty, you will be wasting gas and losing performance as you drive around Kansas City MO. Unless you drive a vintage car, you have fuel injectors. They need to be properly maintained. That is why your owner’s manual has a schedule for cleaning your fuel injectors and other parts of your fuel system. Your service technician at Sallas Auto Repair has the tools and chemicals to do the job right. Sallas Auto Repair uses a process that gives your car a deep, professional fuel system cleaning. The particles, gum and varnish that build up in your fuel system are removed so that it can run cleanly and efficiently. After a professional fuel system cleaning, you’ll notice more power, better gas mileage and reduced exhaust emissions. AutoNetTV strongly recommends you follow your manufacturer’s fuel system cleaning service recommendations to keep your vehicle running st ... read more

What is the Difference between Regular, Midgrade and Premium Gasoline?I will try to make this as easy as possible! There has been a lot of thought, research and testing that has gone into gasoline grades and which engines perform best with each type of gasoline.The Facts:1. Gasoline is rated based on octane levels.2. In most areas of the country regular is 87 octane, midgrade is 89 and premium is 91-93.3. Your owner’s manual and usually your gas cap, will tell you what octane level you should be using.4. Straight-run gasoline has an octane level of about 70. Your vehicle would knock with this level. 5. Procedures to the fuel are used to increase the octane up to about 93.6. A common misconception is the higher the octane level – the higher the quality of gasoline.7. Anti-knock (Octane) ratings are used to measure the ... read more

With the price of gas continuing to rise now is a great time to think about gas mileage. There are many ways to improve your car’s MPG that are simple and will reward you with less money spent at the pump. Every little bit helps and if you do all of these things the savings will surely add up! TIRES Proper Inflation: Under-inflating your tires creates resistance and reduces mileage. You can find proper tire pressure recommendations on the inside or your car’s door or on the side of the tire itself. Keeping tires within 5-10 pounds of the maximum will improve your mileage. Balance: Tires that are unbalanced create an uneven vibration that hurts your mileage. Alignment: You know that wiggly feeling in your car when you’re driving at a higher speed? This is caused by tires that are out of alignment and creates more rolling resistance which low ... read more