Auto Care Tips | Improving Fuel Economy | Increase Gas Mileage

How To Improve Your Automobile’s Fuel Economy

Here are some tips that help conserve fuel, which in time equals money in the bank.

Limit automobile warm up times in winter.
Don’t idle for too long. Turn off your engine if you anticipate waiting for extended periods.
Avoid unnecessary air conditioning usage. More economical when driving at higher speeds.
What about cleaning out your trunk? More weight equals more drag. Which equals more fuel.
Use cruise control when possible. A constant speed is ideal for improving your fuel economy.

Servicing Your Vehicle Is A Major Key Factor

Check your oil. Reduce friction by using quality or synthetic engine oil. Low oil makes your engine work harder. Oil is the blood of your engine. Most engine wear occurs after a cold start, so it’s very important to have oil that is thin enough to circulate easily at cold or warm temperatures. Oil weights change through out the season. For the ultimate in high temperature protection, durability and all-round performance, synthetic oils are great, but more expensive.

Spark plugs need to be changed according to your maintenance schedule or earlier. So the air and fuel mixture will burn cleaner and more efficiently. You want to make every drop of gas count. If it’s not burning properly, it’s only burning a hole in your pocket. Who wants to waste money?

Change your filter on time. Dirty filters can sometimes increase the amount of fuel your vehicle uses by as much as 10 percent. Clogged air filters can ruin your spark plugs. Also damage expensive oxygen sensors and other vital components. Which equals wasted time and money.

Last Chance Auto Repair’s Free Gas Savings Component Check Includes!

Free computer scan
Free air filter inspection
Free tire air inflation check
Free auto tire tread inspection
Free auto maintenance schedule
Free auto alignment check service

Simply The Best

Auto Repair In Plainfield

★★★★★

“ These guys are simply the best in the Midwest. Probably even farther, but I do not go that far to get my car repaired. Now having said that, Ron and the gang are as honest as it is going to get. Sometimes a little too honest. But at least you know the truth. I have brought three different vehicles to Ron in the last 18 months. In all 3 cases, he fixed the cars as quick as possible, and was highly fair in cost. Interestingly, the first one, a Ford Explorer, was deemed unrepairable by both the Ford dealer mechanic and another repair shop. So we found Last Chance since it was literally our Last Chance. That, and the fact we passed it everyday on the way home. You know what they say- Location, Location, Location! Well, we brought it into Ron, and after a very long conversation about life, love, and the pursuit of happiness, Ron got his guys to work and they pinpointed the problem and fixed it in one day's time. It was seriously impressive, and surprisingly cheap (Ron- if you read this do not raise prices). Best of all, it was fixed. Well then there was the BMW. That was a nightmare scenario that Ron and his guys were able to fix up for us and get it back on the road again. Word to the wise- avoid at all costs any BMW dealers located in Naperville. Whatever you do, no matter if your name is Bill, or your name is Jacob, avoid it. Well we just got to visit Spa Ron for a third time with the Escape. Problem diagnosed, repaired, and returned in less than 1 day. He always makes time, not only for us, but for every customer. I cannot figure out how they do it, but I do see the garage opened after 7PM on the way home from baseball practice with my son a lot. So maybe they throw time at it. Whatever it is, they do a fantastic job at fixing problems and getting customers moving again. Thanks Ron and team for all that you have done, and all that you have yet to do for our family's cars. One last note: You MUST take the time to meet with Sherry. Or is it Sheri. Or is it Sherri. Or perhaps it French, Cherie. Like Mon Cherie. Whatever- she is too cool for school. Without Sheri, or Sherry, or etc... Last Chance might be Lost Chance. Just kidding! She is the beautiful face of the franchise, and her pleasant and friendly smile greets you when you stop in. Be sure to chat with her- she is a rib tickler.”

- Kevin S

Heat Not Working

Auto Repair In Plainfield

★★★★★

“ The heat in our 2006 Nissan Pathfinder was not working and it needed the u-joints replaced, so we brought it to Last Chance Auto Repair on the recommendation of a friend. Let's face it, no matter kind of high praise I may hear about a mechanic, I will always approach my first visit with a sense of dread and skepticism. I don't know THAT much about cars and I'm not made of money, so it is going to take quite a bit to gain my trust. This being said, I am pleased to report that my LCAR experience was every bit as good as my friend said it would be! What really stood out was the superior customer service. Sherri was pleasant and efficient in taking down my information and concerns about the car, and made sure I knew up front what their labor rate was (they even have a sign hung up stating this information). I hadn't previously experienced this kind of transparency with an auto repair shop, and it was much appreciated. She told me they would get back to me promptly with a diagnosis, and not start working on the vehicle without my consent. A few hours later I received a call from Ron and he confirmed what I already knew about the need for a u-joint replacement. With regards to the heater, he told me that the problem could be remedied by removing the core and soaking it in radiator flush. This was a pleasant surprise as the dealer had said the heater core would need to be replaced. Ron stated that the soaking procedure was not something most places would do and I believe him. When it came time to pick up and pay the next evening I dealt with Corry, Ron's son, as everyone else left early to attend some continuing education classes. Corry continued the top notch customer service in taking the time to educate me on exactly how my final billing amount was determined. He expressed a genuine concern in making sure I felt the price was fair and my overall experience satisfactory, which it was! I am very happy to have found a reliable mechanic, and will certainly be returning for next maintenance or repair job.”

- Ben J

Great Experience

Auto Repair In Plainfield

★★★★★

“ I had a great experience with Last Chance Auto Repair. I have never needed a real auto shop until now. Up until now, my dad was my mechanic, since I drove newer cars that didn't need more than regular maintenance. I didn't even know the first thing about calling a tow truck. Who do I call? Where do they take my car? My husband's car wouldn't start on a Tuesday morning. After replacing the battery, the car still would not start. On Wednesday morning, I called Last Chance, who has their own towing service. By Wednesday afternoon, tow truck driver Zach had picked up the car. By Thursday afternoon, I spoke with Sheri who quoted me exactly what the problem was and the price. She followed up with a second phone call to tell me that, in order to replace the starter, they had to remove and replace something to get to the starter. The heads up was much appreciated; I like that I can trust this place to contact me before ringing up a bill in my name. I didn't hear from anyone all day Friday, so I called on Saturday afternoon to investigate. I spoke with Ron, whom I spoke to during several other phone calls, but I could tell by his tone that he was definitely distracted and busy. There's a reason he works with cars and not people. Don't let his dry humor or shortness deter you from getting your car fixed here. The car was ready to pick up on Saturday, so we drove over. The garage is tiny, and it seems that there aren't a ton of employees, so if you're ringing their phone off the hook, there probably isn't anyone there manning the phone. It was a little frustrating at times talking to Ron, he always sounded surprised ("we have a Honda Accord here?"), but during most phone calls he was quite pleasant. Zach and Sheri were also very courteous and polite on the phone. When all was said and done, replacing the starter (including some gaskets and something else), plus the cost of the tow truck, minus the 10% off Yelp check-in deal, we spent around $450 - basically a car payment, which is by far better than being strapped with monthly payments.”

- Angela P

Overall rating: ★★★★★ based on 108 reviews.