Our vehicles–and ourselves–really miss the extra oxygen up in Santa Fe, where the air is said to be rare. In Santa Fe, you’ll have to take care of your car differently than if you were driving at sea level due to its high altitude (7,199 feet, to be exact). Our passion for treating our vehicles right makes us one of the top-rated auto repair shops in Santa Fe. Take charge of your engine, fuel economy, and tires by learning how to avoid putting extra strain on them!
What Effect Does Altitude Have on Your Vehicle?
Slower Engine Performance
How can elevation make your engine perform slower?
What factors can cause your engine to perform slower at elevation A car’s engine uses air to draw in air, burns the air/fuel mixture inside, and then exhales it through the exhaust. In order for an internal combustion engine to function, oxygen is required. Because of this lack of oxygen, there is a decrease in air density at elevated altitudes, which can lead to sluggish engine performance.
Whether you’ve been to Everest or hiked in higher climates, you’ve probably experienced the same effects. Getting your breath can be harder at higher elevations. A reduced oxygen level in the air affects your vehicle as well: your vehicle won’t be able to feed itself due to the decreased oxygen levels.
Engines lose 3% of their rated power per 1,000 ft of altitude, as a rule of thumb. You could lose around 20% of your horsepower if you climb from sea level to Santa Fe’s locale.
Decreased Tire Pressure
The lower air density in elevated climates results in a decrease in tire pressure. Low tire pressure can cause a number of problems, in addition to blowouts:
Fuel economy is worsened by underfilled tires because they roll more slowly (just like riding a bike with low tire pressure). Any speed increase requires your engine to work harder, which means you’ll spend more money on fuel. When your tires are underinflated, you will have difficulty accelerating.
Underinflated tires squirm because their walls flex more than usual, resulting in worse steering and handling. You lose stability and traction when your tire’s contact point shrinks with the road. Low tire pressure will slow down your vehicle’s response time, even if you react as quickly as a whip. Even in the best of circumstances, this is undesirable, but when you’re trying to avoid an accident, every second counts. Your safety is increased when your tires are firm.
It has been mentioned above that low tire pressure can cause uneven tread wear on the tires. Tires may need to be replaced prematurely (and at a high cost) due to uneven wear (often heaviest on the inner and outer shoulders).
Driving at High Altitudes: Solutions
Mechanics have found some ways to deal with high-altitude driving conditions.
Fuel System Additives
It is possible to counteract the effects of driving in elevated areas by using a fuel system additive. When you’re filling up the tank, make sure you select the right octane. A rule of thumb is that engines running at sea level need more octane in the fuel than ones running at elevated altitudes. We can recommend fuel additives that are suitable for your vehicle based on our experience.
Check Your Tire Pressure Regularly
The performance of your tires can be significantly affected by higher elevation, as mentioned above. Regularly check your tire pressure to keep your vehicle working at its best.
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