Everybody loves to go on trips, but nobody loves paying for gas -- especially at today's prices.   Since there's no getting around the need to put gasoline in your tank, how can you consume as little as possible? Here are some tips:

 

• Give your brakes (and accelerator) a break. Braking to a sudden stop causes your engine system to lose efficiency and waste fuel. Similarly, when you stamp down on your accelerator you're "hitting the gas" in more ways than one. Try to brake or accelerate gradually.

 

• Watch your speed. Drive at the slowest posted speed if you want to maximize your fuel efficiency. The faster you go, the harder your engine works and the more gas it eats up. Just a few miles per hour can make all the difference.

 

• Don't let your tires run low. Keeping your tires inflated to the correct pressure level (which should be listed inside the driver's-side door) increases the amount of traction you can get with the road, resulting in better mileage.

 

• Stay aerodynamic. Avoid creating unnecessary friction from wind resistance. While running your AC may force you to use more gas, so does rolling your windows down.  And if you can fit something inside your car, don't strap it to the top of the car.

 

• Travel light. Okay, you can take your family with you. but if your car is filled with odds and ends that you don't need for the trip, do some cleaning and lighten your car to save gas.

 

• Shift smart. If you drive a manual transmission, you can choose to shift at relatively low RPMs for greater fuel efficiency. Automatic transmissions save the most gas when they run in overdrive. Cruise control will also help you keep a steady speed for better mileage.

 

Have a fun, fuel-efficient journey!

Okay, you've arranged for time off from work, gassed up the car and gotten it inspected by the pros at Tyler's Automotive (right?), packed all your bags and -- now what? If you've managed to plan everything for your road trip except the actual road trip part, here are four fascinating destinations to justify that joyride:

 

1. Pacific Coastline. If you've never taken this scenic drive up the Oregon Coast Highway, it's high time you did. This meandering 110 miles is a vacation in itself as you encounter breathtaking ocean views, fifteen state parks, mighty lighthouses, and opportunities for camping and fishing.

 

1. Grants Pass Caveman. If you're up for something a little odd, point the car southbound on I-5 and drive down to Grants Pass for an encounter with the Grants Pass Caveman. This fiberglass Neanderthal, towering 17 feet in height, has withstood vandalism attempts and all kinds of weather since 1971, and he's such a town fixture that the local high school teams are called, you guessed it, the Cavemen.

 

1. The Spruce Goose. Howard Hughes's famously huge plane is on display at the Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum in McMinnville. So if you just have time for a quick trip out of Portland, just take 99W to highway 18, and prepare to be amazed by one big "bird."

 

1. Hells Canyon Recreational Area. This one's for the truly adventurous road-tripper and nature lover. If you're willing to drive all the way out to the border of northeast Oregon and Idaho for some spectacular scenery and exciting whitewater rafting action, this segment of Snake River Canyon -- the deepest river gorge in north America -- is worth the effort.

 

Okay, you have your marching orders. So get going -- and have a great trip! 

For more great Oregon road trips check out Travel Oregon Official Visitors Guide Here. 

 

“Be Prepared.”
Tyler Ellenson, founder and owner of Tyler’s Automotive, finds the Boy Scout motto applicable to all aspects of his life: from the three thriving businesses he oversees in Tigard, Newberg and Wilsonville, to his volunteer position planning activities for the 70 members of Boy Scout Troop 423.  Ellenson knows that a community is only as strong as its citizens, which is why he is so dedicated to volunteering.  A former Cub Scout himself, Ellenson has enjoyed the time spent with his sons, Tanner, who earned his Eagle Scout last year, and Trever, who is working toward the prestigious award. But he sees his work as Assistant Scout Master as more just a way to bond with his own family – it has a positive impact on a larger group of youth in the community. Keeping kids busy with positive activities like Scouts means they are less likely to have time on their hands to get into trouble. “Scouting really builds character,” he says, noting that it offers experiences
boys can’t get elsewhere, from outdoor adventures, including monthly campouts, canoe trips and a 150-mile bike trip in the San Juans; to merit badges that cover first aid, personal finance, entrepreneurship, dentistry….”You name it!” He has enjoyed watching the boys mature over the years. “Some of them, I can remember when their backpacks were bigger than them, and now they are leading the troop.” In addition to his work with the Boy Scouts, Ellenson loves to support youth sports – from football to cheer to boys and girls basketball. “Come by my office,” he invites, “and you’ll see the walls papered with autographed team posters. I haven’t turned one down yet!” Supporting neighbors by giving back: Ellenson knows that’s the key to a strong community. “Every day I try to earn respect and trust from my customers, my employees and the youth with whom I interact. Success will come if you have the right values.”

Editorial appearing in the May 2012 edition of The Connection a special feature of The Wilsonville Spokeman.

When your vehicle has great stopping power, it makes you happy. And saving money makes you really happy. So, right now, to be deliriously happy, Stop and Save Up to $50 on NAPA Brakes at Tyler's Automotive, your participating NAPA AutoCare Center. 

You'll receive up to a $50 VISA rebate card, by mail, for your qualifying NAPA Brakes purchase from May 1 – 31. Reliable stopping power. Big savings. And happiness. Stop by for yours at Tyler's Automotive in Tigard, Wilsonville, or Newberg.

 

Your brakes are extremely important as you drive around Tigard OR. Having good brakes just keeps you out of trouble. You'll want to carefully maintain your brakes. With disc brakes, brake pads rub on a disc – or rotor – to slow the wheels.

The brake pads are attached to a caliper that squeezes the pads against the rotor. It's kind of like how squeezing the handbrake on a bicycle pushes the brake pads against the wheel of the bike.

Now pads just wear away with use – kind of like a pencil eraser wears out. The good news is that replacing brake pads is a straight-forward repair.

Tigard OR Disc Brakes If you hear squealing or grinding when you use the brakes, have your Tyler's Automotive service advisor check them out. He'll have a technician perform a thorough brake inspection to see what needs to be done. He'll check for signs of brake problems and go over other brake components to see that they're working properly.

He can tell you if it's time to replace the pads or if there are other issues with your brakes that should be addressed. Some people ignore the warning signs and keep driving long after the pads are completely worn out. When that happens, metal brake components will grind on the rotor, damaging it enough that it needs to be resurfaced or replaced.

Rotors can also warp or crack, in which case they'll need to be replaced. Brake calipers also wear out over time. They can develop leaks or the caliper pistons can freeze open or closed – either way it's not good. When this happens it's time to replace the calipers. A thorough brake inspection will reveal worn bearings or seals as well.

The new brake pads we put on your vehicle will restore your brakes to manufacturers' specifications. Or, we can install upgraded parts to increase your stopping power and reduce brake noise and brake dust. We have several options to meet your braking requirements and your budget.

Taking care of your brakes keeps them working safely – and you could prevent premature brake repairs down the road.

At Tyler’s Automotive of Tigard we install quality NAPA replacement parts. Give us a call at 503.639.5588. 

Learn more about disc brakes with Tyler's Automotive Service Assistant video.  Watch Here.