SPORTS & COLLECTOR
CAR CENTER

In this current economic climate and with the ever increasing price of a gallon of gas, many are scrambling to rid themselves of their larger gas guzzlers and are opting for smaller cars that are more fuel efficient.  So here is some food for thought.

National averages show that the average miles driven per year range from 12,000 to 15,000.  The current average price for a gallon of gas is approximately $3.00.

So using these stats, if the car you choose to drive gets 30 miles per gallon (using the 15,000 miles driven and the $3.00 per gallon) you will spend roughly $1,500.00 annually on fuel.  Now using these same figures on a car that averages 20 miles per gallon, you will spend roughly $2,250.00 annually on fuel.

A clear savings of some $750.00 annually sounds pretty appealing, but when we look at it another way, it seems rather insignificant.  Taking the $750.00 savings and dividing it by 365 days equals $2.05 per day, in a given year.  Think about the many times when you have rented a car for business or pleasure.  If the rental car agent told you that you could upgrade to a larger, more comfortable vehicle for a mere $2.05 per day, you most likely wouldn’t hesitate to switch.

At the end of the day, cars these days are very fuel efficient, for the most part.   Just be cautious and aware when taking drastic measures in the hopes of saving lots of money on fuel and whichever vehicle you choose to drive, remember proper maintenance is the key to maximum performance and fuel effeciency.  Do the Math.

Some things just don’t add up!

We have all seen or heard the ads for “oil change specials” ranging from $9.99 to $19.99.   Sounds too good to be true.  Here are the facts:

• An average “quality” oil filter ranges in price from $4.99 to $13.00 on most European vehicles.
• A quality name brand non-full synthetic engine oil averages from $3.99 to $5.99, per quart.
• An average vehicle these days, requires 4 – 5 quarts of engine oil.  So, on average, the parts required to perform the engine oil change service equals $ $27.00.

Now, we add in the labor required and we have surpassed the advertised specials by some 2 – 3 times.  The point is that these marketing practices are used in order to sell additional services and work (some needed, some not).  At Sports & Collector Car Center, we use only quality products, premium oil filters and premuim oil.  Each service is performed by a fully trained automotive techincian, not someone relegated only to oil changes.  The oil in your car is the “life blood” of your engine, not an area of your vehicles maintenance where you want to cut corners.  Our goal is value and quality.

These are the facts, you can Do the Math.

It todays economy, we are all constantly searching for ways to save money or at least be more cost conscious, in our daily lives.  As fuel costs escalate we are tempted to use the least expensive gas in our vehicles.   Some manufacturers suggest or require the use of premium fuels in their vehicles.

Firstly,  if the label inside your gas door reads “Premium Fuel Only”, its for real.  Many cars systems can react adversley to anything other than high octane fuel.   For the good of your vehicle and ultimately the good of your wallet, follow the directions on the label.

At the end of the day, the average cost difference for standard fuel and premium fuel is about 10 cents a gallon.  On a standard car, with somewhere beteween a 15 and 20 gallon tank, this represents a cost of somewhere between a $1.50 and $2.00 per fill up (less than the price of a Venti coffee @ Starbucks).   In the long run, you are saving money when you use the correct fuel for your car or truck.   A small price to pay to avoid future mechanical problems and added maintenance costs.   Do the Math

We’ve all heard the commercials and read the advertisements for a complete 4 wheel brake job on your car for $99.00.  After many years of being in the business I have yet to understand how any professional, reputable repair facility (or any facility for that matter) can offer someone a “complete” 4 wheel brake job, including machining drums and rotors, repacking bearings and bleeding the brake hydraulics for $99.00.

I made an inquiry to my suppliers who informed me that overall, the price of a quality set of brake pads ranges from roughly $35.00 to $109.00.  Per the top recognized mechanical labor guides, the alloted times for a 4 wheel brake job ranges from 4 to 6 hours.  My research shows the average shop mechanical hourly rate ranges from $90.00 to $148.00 per hour.  There are the numbers and they don’t add up.

Somewhere, somehow, something is being compromised.  Possibly the quality of the parts, the competency of the technician, or shortcuts in the process.  Whatever it is, we are talking about your car (usually the second greatest expenditure most people make) and more importantly, you and your family’s safety.  Properly functioning brakes are critical in the daily operation of our vehicles.

At the end of the day, these numbers vary based on year, make and model of vehicle, as well as where you choose to have your automotive services performed.  But taking all of these factors into consideration, none of them add up to $99.00.  Do the math.

At Sports & Collector Car Center, we would rather earn your business and your trust with the use of quality parts, professional technicians and attention to detail, rather than trick you with false promises and unreal estimates.