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While fuel prices may be dropping, drivers are still spending a huge portion of their budgets on filling up their tanks. On average, the price of gas has dropped 50 cents since the beginning of summer, but with a bit of forethought and common sense, drivers can still watch their fuel bills fall almost immediately. Making some of these habits commonplace can help you to keep fuel costs at bay when the prices inevitably skyrocket again. Take it easy on the pedal Adhere to your vehicle’s fuel type Watch the weight you carry in your car Reduce Drag Inflate your tires to the correct pressure at least once a month Stick to the motor oil recommended by your vehicle’s manufacturer Keep your gas cap fully sealed Avoid prolonged idling (prolonged idling can use up to an entire gallon of gas within an hour) Refuel in the morning instead of at night Replace your air filter frequently Use your cruise control when possible Be sensible when using your vehicle’s air conditioning unit Avoid rapid braking and acceleration Minimize the number of intersections you encounter Replace your spark plugs when necessary Drive at or below the speed limit Pulse and glide: Accelerate quickly to your desired speed, coast until the vehicle slows, and repeat as needed. Regular engine checkups Corroded battery cables cause the alternator to work harder, using more gas. Come into one of our Competitive Automotive shops to have them cleaned as a matter of course with each engine check up Keep your windows rolled up to reduce drag Come in for regular oil changes Maintain a safe following distance (being too close will cause you to brake more and accelerate more to keep that unnecessary and dangerously small gap) Mercedes-Benz of Smithtown, servicing all of your automotive needs.

Many things go into maintaining your Competition vehicle, to make sure it performs safely and at its peak. Wheel alignment affects fuel efficiency, tire wear, tire performance, vehicle handling, and maneuverability. You should have your Mercedes-Benz checked with Mercedes-Benz of Smithtown's Service Center. The following symptoms are signs of poorly aligned tires:  Excessive or uneven tire wear  Feeling of looseness or wandering  Steering wheel vibration  The steering wheel is not centered when the vehicle is moving straight ahead. It is recommended to bring your Mercedes-Benz in to have your car alignment checked every 10,000 miles, or at least once a year. The importance of a total alignment:  Reduced tire wear: Improper alignment is a major cause of premature tire wear and damage. Over the years, a properly aligned vehicle can add thousands of miles to the tire life. Most tires are replaced prematurely due to adverse wear.  Better gas mileage: Gas mileage increases as rolling resistance decreases. Total alignment sets all four wheels parallel, which along with proper inflation, reduces resistance.  Improved handling: If your car is pulling to the side or you constantly have to move your steering wheel to keep the vehicle moving straight ahead, know that these handling issues can be solved with a total alignment service from a Competition Automotive shop in Smithtown, NY. With all the vehicle components aligned properly, the shock is more efficiently absorbed for a much smoother and enjoyable ride.  Safer driving: A suspension system inspection is part of the alignment process. This allows worn parts to be detected before they become a costly issue. Mercedes-Benz of Smithtown, servicing all of your automotive needs.

During spring, your air filter is working twice as hard to keep your vehicle running at its peak performance. Before the pollen hits Long Island full force this spring, you should consider bringing your vehicle to one of our Competition Auto shops, in Smithtown, NY, where our team will carefully and efficiently inspect your air filter, so we can make sure your filter can continue to protect your car all throughout the season. The purpose of your air filter is to keep any unwanted dirt and debris from reaching your vehicle’s engine while also regulating the airflow used to burn fuel. If your air filter isn’t operating to the very best of its ability, the engine can suffer damage and contaminants. Protecting your engine from these contaminants can extend the life of your engine greatly. A dirty filter can hinder the fuel from being mixed with the right ratio of air, which reduces the fuel efficiency of the vehicle and can cause issues with the spark plug. When the ratio is too rich with fuel, it can lead to engine flooding and spark plug pollution. How to know if it’s time to change your air filter:  A decrease in gas mileage  Ignition problems  Replacement time (check your owner’s manual) Mercedes-Benz of Smithtown, servicing all of your automotive needs.

Keep up with regular Mercedes-Benz maintenance by bringing it in for maintenance at regular intervals. Explore the Mercedes-Benz service schedule at Mercedes-Benz of Smithtown to ensure that your St. James is smooth and seamless. Whether you are looking for *Service A or Service B, the team at Mercedes-Benz of Smithtownis here to help you get the maintenance you need. Contact Us What is the Mercedes-Benz Service Schedule? What should you do every 10,000 miles: Multipoint inspection Wiper blades replacement Oil and oil filter replacement Fluid level check and replacement if needed What to do every 20,000 miles: Fluid level check and replacement if needed Multipoint inspection Wiper blades replacement Oil and oil filter replacement Cabin dust/combination filter replacement Brake fluid change What to do after 30,000 miles: Multipoint inspection Wiper blades replacement Oil and oil filter replacement Fluid level check and replacement if needed What to do after 40,000 miles: Oil and oil filter replacement Cabin dust/combination filter replacement Brake fluid change Fluid level check and replacement if needed Multipoint inspection Wiper blades replacement Service A and Service B Schedule In addition to general service maintenance, Nesconset drivers should make sure to get your Service A and Service B appointments. Service A requires you bring your new Mercedes-Benz in once the model hit 10,000 miles. Afterwards, you will only have to bring in your Mercedes-Benz model every 20,000 miles for Service B. Be sure to check your Mercedes-Benz model though, as it could require more frequent maintenance as it gets older. Why Choose Mercedes-Benz of Smithtown for Service? Fore more information on Mercedes-Benz maintenance and service schedules, stop by Mercedes-Benz of Smithtown!  If you notice anything out of the norm, be sure to schedule a service appointment so we can make sure there are no major issues. *Price advertised for Service A/Service B includes all factory-required components. Please refer to your maintenance booklet for the complete list of factory-required services and details on the specific intervals for your vehicle’s year and model. (Valid for MY09-newer).