1-800-Radiator Says Faulty Cooling Systems Top The List of the Mechanical Failures that Rob Your Car of Gas

BENICIA, Calif.--June 2, 2004--With Memorial Day behind us, summer vacationers are hitting the road, and being hit by record-breaking prices at the gas pump. Sources at 1-800-Radiator, the nation's primary independent supplier of radiators to consumers, home mechanics, and auto repair shops, say the top mechanical problems that rob drivers of two to three miles per gallon include clogged radiators, dirty auto cooling systems and faulty thermostats. Other common gas-guzzling culprits include under-inflated tires, dirty spark plugs and clogged air filter.

When cars start running hot or the coolant becomes excessively dirty, the temperature sensor can become clogged so it is fooled into thinking the engine is running cooler than it actually is. As a result, the engine sensors try to compensate by using a richer fuel mixture, just like opening the choke on the engine, resulting in more wasted fuel, lower gas mileage and poor mechanical performance.

"Of all the mechanical failures that affect gas mileage, replacing a faulty radiator can be the most cost-effective," said Mike Rippey, president and CEO of 1-800-Radiator. "If the average radiator costs around $150 and you can save two to three miles per gallon on gas that sells for more than $2.00 per gallon, then you get your money back after driving for a month on the freeway."

Other common mechanical problems that may cost you more at the pump include:

-- Under-inflated tires and poorly aligned wheels - If your tires are too soft, even by one or two pounds-per-square inch, then they create unnecessary drag on your car and make your engine work harder. Similarly, badly aligned wheels waste engine power and cause tires to wear out rapidly.

-- Dirty spark plugs - Some spark plugs last 100,000 miles, but others wear out much sooner, depending on your engine. Be sure your plugs deliver optimal spark for clean, efficient fuel burning.

-- Clogged air filter - A dirty air filter cuts off oxygen to the engine resulting in poor combustion and wasted fuel. Check your air filter every time you have your oil changed to maintain optimal gas mileage.

-- Sticking brakes - A rusted or sticking brake caliper, or a faulty handbrake can create drag that wastes fuel.

For more information about cooling system maintenance and a complete list of gas-saving tips, visit www.radiator.com.

About 1-800-Radiator

Founded in 1980, 1-800-Radiator is the largest provider of automotive radiators in the United States, offering consumers radiators for all automobile makes and models at competitive prices with a lifetime warranty. Consumers can call 1-800-Radiator or log onto www.radiator.com to purchase radiators and other cooling system parts for any car make or model, and the skilled support staff at 1-800-Radiator can arrange for installation of the radiator by one of its 25,000 repair shop customers anywhere in the country. Custom and specialty radiators and parts are also available for classic car aficionados and do-it-yourself mechanics.

1-800-Radiator has its corporate headquarters in the San Francisco Bay Area with regional distribution centers at 34 locations throughout the United States. For more information, call 1-800-Radiator or visit on the web at www.radiator.com.