3556 Seminole Trail Charlottesville, VA 22911 434-995-5743

Got The Gas Paying Blues

87 Octane Gas - Don't Knock It Until You've Tried It.

While none of the contents of this article are meant to replace your car manufacturer's recommendations or that of an expert mechanic, you just may be able to save some money on the high price of gas without noticing a decline in performance or fuel economy by using 87 Octane gas.

According to a 2019 article by Car And Driver they tested the performance of 4 cars first by filling them with 87 Octane Gas then again using 93 Octane gas.

  1. 2019 Honda CR-V

  2. 2019 BMW MF Competition

  3. 2019 Ford F-150

  4. 2019 Dodge Charger R/T

Read the full article here for all the details.

Their bottom line was:

"While Ford's EcoBoost F-150 stands out as an obvious exception, the Dodge Charger's numbers make for a tidy summary of our findings. If you buy fuel with an octane rating above the manufacturer's requirement, you're likely to feel it in your wallet more than the seat of your pants."

What Causes Your Engine To Knock?

Detonation knock is a noise you'll hear when the air-fuel mixture in the cylinders doesn't ignite properly. When this happens, it causes a pounding or rattling noise. The cause of this can be from using lower octane fuel than what is recommended for your engine, incorrect timing, or too much compression.

What Do Octane Ratings Mean?

The octane rating is a measure of how heat resistant a fuel is. This is so the fuel does not knock or ping when it is combusted. In other words, high-octane fuels are more resistant to pre-ignition and detonation.

In the past cars without modern fuel injection systems needed higher octane fuel to prevent knocking but with today's technology, most cars can run on the lower 87 octane gas without any problem.

Is There A Difference Between 87 & 93 Octane Gas?

The actual fuel is the same but the refining process for higher octane fuel is more expensive. So, if you're looking to save a few bucks at the pump, 87 octane gas is the way to go. Just be sure to check with your car's manufacturer first to see if it is okay to use.

Are You Driving Around With A Gas Guzzler?

With the average price of regular gas hitting new record highs , now might be the time to consider getting rid of your gas guzzler.

You might be surprised at how much money you can save by trading in your gas guzzler for a more fuel-efficient car.

Check out our wide selection of cars that get great gas mileage, so you can drive further for less.

Old Car Technology That Is Now Considered Standard

Car Technology Advancements That Make Life Easier For Drivers

Are you old enough to remember when air conditioning and powered windows were optional car features? How about when you had to manually unlock your doors? If you are, then you've seen firsthand how far car technology has come in just a few decades.

Nowadays, we can't imagine owning a vehicle without them. In fact, new cars are loaded with all sorts of tech gadgets and creature comforts that make the driving experience more enjoyable. Here are just a few of the car tech advancements that have made life easier for drivers.

Automatic Climate Control

Curbside Classic

"Cadillac released Comfort Control, the world’s first fully automatic climate control system in 1964. This system is an amazing accomplishment and a reminder of how GM and Cadillac really once were the standard of the world"

If you wanted that type of luxury you had to pay a pretty penny for it. Nowadays, you can find automatic climate control in even the most basic of cars. This feature keeps the temperature at a preset level, so you don't have to adjust it every time the weather changes.

Cruise Control

Another oldie but goodie is Cruise Control. Great for long road trips when you don't want to wear your foot out by constantly pressing the gas pedal. It also helps you save on gas. Just set your desired speed and the car will maintain a consistent speed, as long as you keep your foot off the brake.

Wikipedia

"Modern cruise control (also known as a speedostat or tempomat) was invented in 1948 by the blind inventor and mechanical engineer Ralph Teetor.[4][5] He came up with the idea due to being frustrated by his driver's habit of speeding up and slowing down as he talked."

Heated and Cooled Seats

Another comfort feature that has become standard in many new cars are heated and cooled seats. This is a welcome addition for those who live in climates with extreme temperatures. Heated seats warm you up on cold days, while cooled seats keep you cool on hot days.

Backup Cameras

Did you know that backup cameras originated in 1956? Although backup cameras have been around for years they started to become more popular in the early 2000s.

Backup cameras are a lifesaver, literally. They help you avoid accidents by giving you a clear view of what's behind you when you're in reverse.

Wikipedia

"1956 Buick Centurion concept car, presented in January 1956 at the General Motors Motorama. The vehicle had a rear-mounted television camera that sent images to a TV screen in the dashboard in place of the rear-view mirror."

If you've ever tried to parallel park in a tight spot without one then you know what a pain it can be. a backup camera can be a lifesaver.

Tuesday, May 1st, 2018 - The Day Backup Cameras Became Standard

Car And Driver

"If you’re shopping for a new vehicle and it doesn’t have a backup camera or the feature costs extra, then it was built before Tuesday, May 1st, 2018. That’s when the safety device became standard on all vehicles made for the American market."

Although backup cameras have been around for years they started to become more popular in the early 2000s.

Keyless Entry and Start

Just like other car technology , keyless entry and start has been around for a while but it's only recently that it has become standard in new cars. This feature allows you to unlock and start your car without ever having to take your keys out of your pocket.

What Car Technology Is Next To Become A Standard Option?

Here are some other options that are starting to move their way from the luxury category into the mainstream. The average car buyer may not be able to afford all of these features right now, but eventually, they may become standard.

1. Automatic braking

2. Lane departure warning

3. Blind spot monitoring

4. Park assist systems

5. Adaptive cruise control

6. Heads-up displays

One of the most popular car technology trends is the inclusion of hands-free capabilities, such as Bluetooth and voice-activated controls. This allows drivers to keep their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road while still being able to control.

Do you have a car with outdated technology?

It might be time to trade it in. You deserve the latest technology in your car – and we can help make that happen. We have a huge selection of cars to choose from, and we’ll make sure the process is easy for you.

COVID-19 UPDATE

As we continue to monitor the Coronavirus (COVID-19), we want to reassure everyone that we are taking the necessary steps to keep our employees safe while we ensure that we provide good customer service to our existing and prospective customers. To give you an update, Monticello Motors encourages the following:

1. 6 FOOT SOCIAL DISTANCING
2. SERIOUS BUYERS ONLY FOR TEST DRIVES
3. SET AN APPOINTMENT
4. APPLY FOR CREDIT FROM HOME
5. ALL EMPLOYEES AND CUSTOMERS TO FOLLOW THE CDC prevention tips including, among other things, frequent washing of hands, social distancing, and staying home when sick.
6. LOCAL ORDINANCE-FACE COVERINGS ARE REQUIRED WHEN ENTERING THE BUILDING.

Please let us know how we can assist you as we know it is imperative for everyone to have the transportation they need for day-to-day life. Call us at 434-995-5743 or email us at contactus@monticellomotors.com any time for more questions or assistance. We are very eager to continue to sell vehicles to the public.
Please continue to stay aware of your surroundings and distance to our employees during this time for your protection and for theirs.

Sincerely,
Rhonda Baker
General Manager

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