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Sparks Computerized Car Care

 (337 Reviews)

Cost Savings Tips


Preventative maintenance is the best way to ensure your vehicle stays reliable, and lets you avoid major repairs as well as the expenses that come with them. At Sparks Computerized Car Care, we provide a complete preventative maintenance program, and carry all the necessary parts and expertise to take care of the little jobs that let you avoid the big ones.

Choose from a comprehensive range of the fluids, oils, filters, and belts that your vehicle needs to keep running happily and healthily. Relax while your ride is inspected by our highly-trained technicians, and rest assured that it'll keep running smoothly for miles and miles.

10 Minute Pre-Trip Checkup Can Pay Off

A properly maintained vehicle is safer and more dependable and will even save a few dollars at the gas pumps. Motorists should plan ahead to allow time to perform necessary maintenance themselves or at the local service facility.

Car Care Council offers three suggestions for a traveler's 10-minute pre-trip checklist:

Check all fluids - There are several fluids that require attention: Engine Oil, power steering, brake and transmission fluids, and windshield washer solvent and antifreeze/coolant.

Check all hoses and belts - A belt failure can affect the electrical system, air conditioning, power steering, and the cooling system. Cooling system hoses may be deteriorating from within, so old hoses and clamps in marginal condition might need to be replaced.

Check the tires - Check tire inflation and inspect the tread for uneven wear, indicating the need for wheel alignment. Also look for bulges and bald spots along the tire's surface.

Follow these tips to maximize fuel efficiency of your vehicle:

Boost your vehicle's fuel efficiency with these simple yet effective tips. From regular maintenance checks such as monitoring tire pressure and replacing worn spark plugs to cultivating mindful driving habits like avoiding aggressive maneuvers and excessive idling, these strategies can help you optimize fuel usage and save on costs in the long run.

Vehicle Gas Caps

Regularly checking and ensuring the proper sealing of your gas cap is crucial. Surprisingly, approximately 17% of vehicles on the roads today have gas caps that are either damaged, loose, or entirely missing. This seemingly small issue leads to the vaporization of around 147 million gallons of fuel each year.

Under Inflated Tires

Maintaining proper tire pressure is crucial for optimal fuel efficiency. Driving with underinflated tires is akin to driving with a parking brake engaged, resulting in a notable reduction in mileage, often costing a mile or two per gallon. Regularly checking and maintaining the correct tire pressure can significantly improve fuel efficiency.

Worn Spark Plugs

The spark plugs in a vehicle, whether four, six, or eight in number, endure an incredible amount of stress, firing up to 3 million times every 1,000 miles. Such persistent use can lead to both electrical and chemical erosion from the generated heat. Regular inspection and timely replacement of worn spark plugs are essential for maintaining fuel efficiency.

Dirty Air Filters

A clogged air filter can disrupt the ideal air-fuel mixture, leading to a "rich" mixture where the proportion of gas to air is imbalanced. This not only results in fuel wastage but also causes the engine to lose power. The simple act of replacing a clogged air filter can enhance gas mileage by as much as 10%, making it a crucial maintenance step for fuel efficiency.

Don't Drive Aggressively

Aggressive driving habits, such as sudden accelerations and abrupt stops, can significantly reduce gas mileage. In fact, aggressive driving can decrease gas mileage by up to 33% on the highway and 5% on city streets. Opting for smoother driving habits can substantially improve fuel efficiency.

Avoid Excessive Idling

Allowing a vehicle to idle for extended periods consumes fuel without yielding any mileage. Minimize unnecessary idling, and avoid letting the vehicle warm up for more than one to two minutes as excessive idling contributes to unnecessary fuel consumption.

Drive the Speed Limit

Maintaining a consistent speed and adhering to the speed limit can play a vital role in fuel efficiency. Gas mileage tends to decrease rapidly at speeds exceeding 60 mph. For every mile driven above 60 mph, you can expect an additional 10 cents per gallon in fuel costs. Utilizing cruise control can also help in maintaining a steady speed, thus enhancing fuel efficiency during highway driving.


Reviews

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Came here because my mechanic in Riverview wasn't certain what was causing the issues I was having with my Volkswagen Tiguan. Their concern was "running up" a bill replacing parts in hopes to "fix" my SUV only to find that the fix was not the problem. As such they referred me to Sparks. After being quoted a diagnostic fee and told I'd hear back from them within 24 hrs, I patiently but nervously waited to hear back. My mechanic advised me that their findings may not be what I wanted to hear but he was completely confident that the diagnosis would be correct. Sure as promised, I heard back the next morning and was told they found the issue and were very confident the tech's diagnosis was correct and would resolve my issues. I authorized the repairs, had the work done and now, 2 months later, I can confidently say the issue has been completely resolved! The problem I was having (involved an electrical issue) was causing my Tiguan to go into limp mode and/or sporadically run like crap. The problem? Part of the wiring harness (the sub-harness) leading to one of the fuel injectors was bad and needed to be replaced. Since the repair we complete, I've even noticed an improvement in the MPG calculation. Like a 7% improvement! My Tiguan is running absolutely perfect now. Crazy noticeable difference. Completely resolved! Gone! Hasn't happened not one more time. So, if you're looking at using Sparks based on a referral you should trust that referral. I live 1 hour away and probably passed dozens of mechanics on the way to get to Sparks. Bottom line is MY MECHANIC referred me there. And to me, that says something. Couldn't have hoped for better results. The cost was very reasonable. The shop was spotless and every person I encountered was clearly knowledgeable, competent and respectful. If I didn't live an hour away, I'd have a new mechanic for sure! But I'm very satisfied with the mechanic I use in Riverview. If not for them, I never would have found Sparks!

, 07/03/2025

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Diagnosis and cost estimate were accurate, and repair was done ahead of schedule. I was kept informed during the whole process.

, 07/02/2025

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Great service!

, 07/02/2025

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