THE MATH OF PUMPING GAS

WHAT THOSE NUMBERS AT THE PUMP REALLY MEAN.

You pull up to the pump and you see the numbers, but what do they mean? Sure, your manufacturer told you which one to use, but you’re still curious as to what’s the difference between 87 and 92 octane. Hopefully, this will help.

Let’s start off with a brief discussion of how gas works in your car. Most cars use four-stroke engines. The compression stroke is where the engine compresses a cylinder-full of air and gas into a much smaller volume before igniting it with a spark plug. The amount of compression is called the compression ratio of the engine. A typical engine compression ratio is 8-to-1.

The gasoline octane rating tells you how much the fuel can be compressed before it spontaneously ignites. When gas ignites by compression rather than because of the spark from the spark plug, it causes knocking in the engine, which causes damage. Lower-octane gas (like "regular" 87-octane gasoline) can handle the least amount of compression before igniting.

The compression ratio of your engine determines the octane rating of the gas you must use in the car. In order to increase the horsepower of an engine, increase its compression ratio. In other words, the higher compression ratio the higher-octane fuel that is required. This is why they call the “high performance” engines. While higher compression rates mean higher performance and probably a little more fun behind the wheel, the disadvantage is that the gasoline for your engine costs more.

So unless your vehicle manufacturer requests a higher grade of fuel, you probably don’t need it and can save yourself a little money. Then there’s always the matter of preference. If you feel that your vehicle runs better with a higher grade of fuel, then by all means do what feels right to you. Just be sure to check with your vehicle manufacturer.

MORE CAR DRIVING. LESS GAS PUMPING.

6 Tips for Improved Fuel Economy

 Still letting high gas prices keep you from taking a road trip to your favorite destination? Why? Just following a few simple and inexpensive vehicle maintenance steps can stretch your dollar and give you more power at the pump

Fuel consumption is directly related to auto care and has a significant impact on how much gas you use.  Gas prices may rise quickly, but you no longer have to be a victim and just take it. Properly maintaining your vehicle can improve fuel economy as well as save you money.

Performing these simple maintenance tips, will improve fuel economy allowing you to spend more time on the road and less at the pump.

•       Tune-Up: Keep your car properly tuned to improve gas mileage by an average of 4 percent.

•       Tire Pressure: Keep tires properly inflated and improve gas mileage by up to 3.3 percent.

•       Motor Oil: Improve gas mileage by 1 to 2 percent by using the grade of motor oil recommended by the manufacturer.

•       Air Filters: Replacing clogged air filters on older vehicles can improve fuel economy and will improve performance and acceleration on all vehicles.

•       Gas Cap: Damaged, loose or missing gas caps allow gas to vaporize into the air.

•       Fix It: Addressing a serious maintenance problem, like a faulty oxygen sensor, can improve mileage by as much as 40 percent, according to www.fueleconomy.gov.

Modifying driving habits, such as driving the speed limit and avoiding quick stops and starts, can also increase fuel efficiency. Consolidating trips, avoiding excessive idling and removing unnecessary items from the trunk are also easy ways to lower fuel consumption.

TO WAX, OR NOT TO WAX, THERE REALLY IS NO QUESTION

WHY WAXING YOUR CAR IS JUST AS IMPORTANT AS WASHING IT

Sure, many of us say that we know and understand how important it is to wash and wax our vehicles, but do we really? Do we truly understand that waxing our vehicle can not only protect the paint of the car but its resale value as well? For some reason most of us wash our vehicles, but often neglect the second step of waxing. Is it because we think it’s overly time consuming, don’t understand the value of doing so or maybe we just don’t want to. Whatever the reason, it’s time to take a look at the importance of waxing your vehicle.

Wax helps protect your car’s paint, which in turn helps protect the coating for your cars metal body. Whether it’s rain, sun, hail, or wind your car is constantly subjected to the elements. All of these elements can have damaging effects to your vehicle, which makes waxing your vehicle extremely important. It can also keep dirt from settling on your car and make it much easier.

Let’s face it. When your car looks good, you look good. Wax keeps your car looking shiny and new. With no wax on your car oxidation can occur. Oxidation is a chemical process where oxygen interacts with different elements, causing the paint on your car to become dull. No one wants his or her car to have dull, lifeless paint! A simple coat of wax can prevent this from happening because wax protects the elements on the car from reacting with oxygen.

Understanding the importance of washing and waxing your vehicle is key to keeping your car looking as good as ever. It will vastly improve the health of your vehicle over time. So go ahead. Get your vehicle washed and waxed today.

What Not To Do at a Stoplight

What Not To Do at a Stoplight

Remember the days when you stopped at a traffic light, not a care in the world, before we all felt the need to be doing multiple things during every moment?  These days, we’re all guilty of trying squeeze in every little thing at a stoplight. The truth is, it may not be saving us time. A lot of people are focused on anything but the road. When you become so engrossed in something else that you forget to be aware of your surroundings it can cause time loss, create traffic problems and jeopardize safety. 

Whatever is distracting you can’t be that important that you forget you’re behind the wheel. Driving is a privilege and a responsibility to yourself and to others around you.  There’s a lot of precious cargo travelling around daily.

Being alert to where you are in line and the traffic patterns is helpful. Don’t be the person everyone’s honking at because the green arrow expired while you completed that Facebook status update. So when you’re in a hurry and you’re behind “that person” and the tables are turned, remember to set an example by changing your behavior and not be mad. People are more likely to mimic what they see rather than what their told.

Some of the examples that follow are more common and familiar offenders while some are plain ridiculous. You know who you are. There are usual suspects like texting, posting, playing video games and tearing the car apart in search of something that fell between the seats. Then there are those who change clothes, get out and rifle through the trunk, put on make up, dry shave, give over zealous affection, read, watch a movie on an overhead DVD player, cut their toe nails, paint their toes or try to figure out directions. What’s the strangest thing you’ve seen?

It’s ok to do certain things at a red light so long as you’re not oblivious to everything else around you. So if you must do it, glance up and around you frequently so you’re ready when the light changes. Kind of like checking your rear view mirror when you’re driving. It will eventually become a good habit.

If something is really so important that it’s distracting you from driving, it’s probably in everyone’s best interest that you pull over and resolve the issue before continuing on. A little preparation before departing can alleviate much of the strange behavior we observe at traffic lights.

People tend to think things won’t happen to him or her.  Until it does.  That’s when the resolution is made NOT to do whatever caused a problem again. Don’t let it happen at all. Let’s all try to be more courteous and aware on the road. Together we can improve our environment and interactions while arriving safely and happily at each destination.

Bernardi Toyota Supports Danforth Art Museum and School

Bernardi Auto Group is a proud sponsor of many civic, youth, education, cultural and athletic organizations in the communities it serves.  We have a long and proud heritage of giving back to the residents of Greater Boston, MetroWest and MetroSouth areas through our support of these groups that are the heart and character of the region.

The Boston Globe recently announced its new GRANT (Globe Readers and Non-Profits Together) partnership (https://services.bostonglobe.com/grant/default.aspx)  through which print and electronic subscribers can vote for the non-profit organizations of their choice to receive complimentary advertising in the Globe and on Boston.com.  As few as 150 votes will earn a quarter page ad; the more votes earned by a non-profit, the more ad space!  This free advertising will allow these important groups to spread their word without dipping into precious operating dollars and help support and expand their mission.  

We know that many of our clients and visitors to our website read the Globe in print version or online.  When you receive your gift check, simply name the organization of your choice and return the check to the Globe.  A great way to support a worthy cause!

Like you, Bernardi Auto Group has a special relationship with certain charitable organizations, and we probably share the support of several groups in common.  We encourage Globe readers to vote for their preferred charity; here is our list.  Please consider this organization as recipient of your GRANT gift check.

stablished as a grass roots organization in 1975 by a committed group of citizens, the Danforth Museum of Art, now called Danforth Art, has grown to become a vital cultural resource. Located in Framingham, Massachusetts, 30 miles west of Boston, Danforth Art provides visitors with entertaining and educational experiences in the visual arts. Danforth Art educates the public through its collection of American art, changing exhibits of contemporary artists, classes and workshops in the School, and a variety of community outreach programs.

Focusing on American art from 18th century to present day, Danforth Art is dedicated to showing the very best examples of contemporary art by both emerging and established artists, as well as an exploration of the School of Boston Expressionism. Our compelling exhibitions and permanent collection of over 3,500 works of art offer countless opportunities for all ages to explore a range of media and artistic forms of expression. Our mission strongly supports education, the 400 yearly studio art courses offered in the School, family workshops and artist lectures offer Danforth Art members and visitors numerous opportunities to learn and create.

Click to Donate to DanforthART

How to Simplify Your Driving Life

Resolutions do not only pertain to yourself, but also concern to your vehicle. This year take the time to not only think about how you can better yourself, but also how to can make your vehicle more efficient, clean, and running steady. Here a few useful tips to help your vehicle and to bring in the New Year.

1.     Take the time to organize

By keeping your vehicle clean you will be able to keep organized and will help to start the New Year off on the right foot.

2.     Be a more cautious driver

We all know to well when we are driving that there are many other motorists who are not as careful. Take the time to take a second look and slow down when driving.

3.     Ease on the road rage

Everyone wants to start the New Year off on the right foot, but screaming at the vehicle in front of you is not always the best way to begin. Take a depth breath and take the time to look at your actions before you cause an accident.

4.     Check your tire pressure

Take the time to check the air pressure in your tires cannot only help to save on gas mileage, but also can prevent serious issues such as a blowout.

5.     Schedule for regular checkups

Taking your vehicle into the shop can help prevent further issues and will keep your car running smoothly throughout the entire year.

By taking the time to follow these small resolutions throughout the year, will help keep your vehicle and you happy throughout the New Year.

How to Keep Your Car Clean During the Holidays

During the holiday season, our vehicles can certainly take a toll from the constant usage, quick runs for food, and all those last minute gift getting. Here are some simple tips to keep your vehicle clean this holiday season.

1.Clean out while you are at the pump

Take the time to clean out all of the unnecessary receipts, food, and other garbage that may be floating around your car. Keeping the interior clean will not only help in the look of your vehicle, but will also keep you sane around this crazy holiday period.

2. Get the kids involved

Driving around with your children can sometimes be difficult in keeping your vehicle clean, but that does not have to be the case. By getting the kids involved will not only help you, but will also help them in teaching them some organization, and cleaning skills and encouraging them to be on their best behavior for the holidays. It’s all about creating happy holiday memories.

3. Keep a trash in your vehicle

We all have trash that we have to throw away, so why not keep a small bag or bin in your vehicle. By having a trash bin will help to keep the unnecessary junk in one place.

4.Organize your trunk

Our trunks often take a hard hitting and many times will be occupied with unnecessary objects. By taking the time to organize your trunk you can have plenty of room for all of those presents and keep the interior of your car clean.

5.Cover the coffee and snacks

With all the constant quick runs that you may be doing be sure to cover your coffee and keep food in closed containers. Not only will this save you time from having to clean up a spill, but you will also be able to enjoy that quick boost of energy.

By keeping your vehicle clean, you can let yourself a happy and have a productive holiday season this year. Happy Holidays!