When discussing vehicle performance and fuel efficiency, the terms "highway miles" and "city miles" frequently come up. These terms refer to the different driving conditions and environments where a vehicle operates, and they influence how a vehicle performs in terms of fuel consumption, acceleration, and overall efficiency.

Highway miles refer to driving on open roads, such as interstates or highways, where vehicles can maintain a steady speed for extended periods. This type of driving typically involves fewer stops, less traffic, and higher speeds. As a result, vehicles tend to achieve better fuel efficiency on highways compared to city driving. The steady speed allows the engine to operate more efficiently, leading to higher miles per gallon (MPG) ratings. For example, a vehicle might achieve 30 MPG on the highway, allowing drivers to cover long distances with less fuel consumption.

On the other hand, city miles represent driving in urban environments, characterized by frequent stops, traffic signals, and lower speed limits. City driving often requires more acceleration and deceleration, which can lead to increased fuel consumption. Vehicles are frequently idling at stoplights or in congested traffic, which further reduces fuel efficiency. For instance, a car that achieves 30 MPG on the highway might only get 20 MPG in the city due to the stop-and-go nature of urban driving. This difference in fuel efficiency highlights the impact of driving conditions on a vehicle's performance.

The distinction between highway and city miles is important for customers when evaluating a vehicle's overall fuel efficiency. Many manufacturers provide separate MPG ratings for city and highway driving, allowing buyers to understand how a vehicle will perform in different environments. This information can be especially important for individuals who have specific driving patterns, such as commuters that primarily drive in the city or those who frequently take long road trips.

In addition to fuel efficiency, highway and city driving can also affect vehicle wear and tear. City driving, with its frequent stops and starts, can lead to increased brake wear and strain on the transmission. Highway driving, while generally more efficient, can lead to higher speeds that may contribute to tire wear and engine strain over time. Understanding these differences can help drivers make informed decisions about maintenance and care for their vehicles.

In summary, highway miles and city miles represent two distinct driving environments that significantly affect a vehicle's fuel efficiency and overall performance. Highway driving typically results in better fuel economy due to steady speeds and fewer stops, while city driving often leads to increased fuel consumption due to frequent acceleration and idling. 

​Car battery maintenance is crucial for ensuring the longevity and reliability of your vehicle. A car battery is the heart of your vehicle's electrical system, providing the necessary power to start the engine and run various electrical components. Failing to care for battery maintenance can lead to unexpected breakdowns, costly repairs, and even safety hazards. Here’s why keeping your car battery in good shape is so important.

First and foremost, a well-maintained battery ensures that your vehicle starts reliably. Imagine getting into your car on a chilly morning, only to find that it won’t start because the battery is dead. This scenario can be incredibly frustrating and inconvenient, especially if you have important plans. Regular maintenance, such as checking the battery’s charge level and cleaning the terminals, can help prevent such situations. A fully charged battery can withstand cold weather better, providing the necessary power to start your engine.

Another vital aspect of battery maintenance is prolonging its lifespan. Most car batteries have a lifespan of about three to five years, but with proper care, they can last even longer. Regularly checking the battery for signs of corrosion, leaks, or damage can help identify potential issues before they become serious problems. Keeping the battery clean and ensuring that the connections are tight can also prevent unnecessary wear and tear. Investing a little time in maintenance can save you money in the long run by delaying the need for a replacement.

Additionally, maintaining your car battery contributes to the overall health of your vehicle’s electrical system. A weak or failing battery can cause strain on the alternator, which is responsible for recharging the battery while the engine is running. If the battery isn’t functioning properly, the alternator may work overtime, leading to premature wear and potential failure. This not only affects your battery but can also lead to costly repairs for other electrical components in your vehicle.

In conclusion, car battery maintenance is an essential part of vehicle ownership. It ensures reliable starts, prolongs battery life, protects the electrical system, and helps you avoid unexpected breakdowns. Regular checks and cleaning can go a long way in keeping your battery in peak condition. By investing time in battery maintenance, you not only save money but also enhance the overall performance and safety of your vehicle. 

In older vehicles, it's easy to see the cracks and overall wear of the belts to assess their health. Newer belts, however, are made with more durable materials that generally will not crack. Common signs of a bad belt:

• squeaking from under the hood
• loss of A/C
• loss of power steering
• engine overheating
• loss of power

Technicians also have tools to check the wear on the belts, similar to how you check the tread depth on a tire. Generally, the belts should last anywhere from 60,000 up to 100,000 miles depending on the manufacturer. Check your vehicle's manual for specific intervals. If you experience any of the problems above, you should bring your vehicle in for a check-up immediately. JAMHS Auto will check for potential problems at every service to make sure you aren't blindsided by any issues that arise.

Many will say flushing your power steering fluid isn't necessary. In the past, auto shops would replace the components of the power steering system as they went bad. With the advent of flushing systems, we can now flush and extend the life of the power steering components. The power steering fluid will wear over time due to daily driving and may become abrasive. It will also lose its ability to dissipate heat. The abrasiveness and overheating can lead to leaks and cracked seals, which are always expensive repairs. In extreme cases, the fluid will even form a thick sludge, further exasperating the effects of a worn fluid. ​

It is relatively easy to check your power steering fluid. Since the system is fully sealed, your vehicle should not be losing fluid over time. If you notice your levels are decreasing, you may have a leak that requires immediate attention. Your vehicle's manual should have service intervals as well if you are unsure about your power steering fluid's health. It's better to err on the side of safety, so JAMHS Auto recommends a power steering flush every 30,000 miles to extend the life of your power steering system.