Posted on 6/30/2025

With gas prices always in flux, we get a lot of questions here at The Auto Shop in Jefferson City about how to stretch a tank of fuel. Unfortunately, there's a lot of misinformation out there, and not every fuel-saving tip is worth your time. In this month’s blog, we’re setting the record straight and busting some common fuel efficiency myths. 🚫 Myth #1: Warming Up Your Car Saves Fuel The Truth: This one’s a holdover from older carbureted engines. Today’s fuel-injected vehicles are designed to drive almost immediately. Idling for long periods just burns fuel and increases emissions, especially in summer. You only need about 30 seconds to circulate oil through the engine before heading out. 🚫 Myth #2: Premium Gas = Better Fuel Economy The Truth: Unless your vehicle requires premium fuel (check the owner’s manual), you won’t see any benefit. Using higher-octane gas in a car designed for regular won ... read more
Posted on 5/31/2025

At The Auto Shop in Jefferson City, we know summer can sneak up on you—and so can cooling system issues. If you haven’t given your vehicle’s cooling system much thought this year, don’t worry. It’s not too late to take action and keep your car running smoothly through the hottest months. Why Your Cooling System Matters Your vehicle’s cooling system does a lot more than just prevent overheating. It helps maintain the ideal operating temperature for your engine, improves fuel efficiency, and protects components like your radiator, thermostat, water pump, and heater core from premature wear. When it’s 90+ degrees here in Mid-Missouri and you’re running errands, commuting, or planning a road trip, a properly working cooling system isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. Signs Your Cooling System Might Need Attention Even if ... read more
Posted on 7/1/2024

Photo by Avi Richards On Unsplash The Ultimate Showdown: Air Conditioner vs. Windows Down – Which Consumes More Fuel? When it comes to maximizing your vehicle's fuel efficiency, we understand the dilemmas our Jefferson City drivers face: Should they turn on the air conditioner or roll down the windows? Each choice has its pros and cons, and the impact on fuel consumption is more nuanced than one might expect. This blog is here to provide practical advice tailored to our Jefferson City community, delving into how each option affects your car's fuel efficiency. The Science Behind Air Conditioning Running the air conditioner in your car requires energy. This energy comes from the engine, which means more fuel is consumed. The air conditioning system works by compressing a refrige ... read more