New to HHR
06-07-2013 | 11:21 AM
#2
Senior Member
Joined: 11-04-2012
Posts: 1,547
From: Dedham Maine
WELCOME to the group! The gearheads will chim in soon with the info you want. You in Norfolk ,Little Creek or Newport News? I was Anphibs Norfolk and Fleet Tug Little Creek! Thank you for your service, I assume you were in the NAVY of Marine's ")
06-07-2013 | 02:39 PM
#5
Deceased
Joined: 06-30-2010
Posts: 25,739
From: Kannapolis NC
Congrats on your new ride, and 
to the forum!
For handling maximization, go through the suspension and change out the shocks and struts if they're due. Buy the best performance/touring tires that your budget allows, HHR's "like" almost every tire brand except Michelin...for some reason the chassis tuning of non-SS models lends to twitchy handling on Michelin tires.
For the best mileage, give it a tune up. Change the air filter, do an oil change, and wind in a new set of Delco Iridium plugs.(PN 41-103) Only use the Delco plugs, the Ecotec engines were designed around them, and using other brands almost always guarantees a check engine light when they start misfiring.
to the forum!For handling maximization, go through the suspension and change out the shocks and struts if they're due. Buy the best performance/touring tires that your budget allows, HHR's "like" almost every tire brand except Michelin...for some reason the chassis tuning of non-SS models lends to twitchy handling on Michelin tires.
For the best mileage, give it a tune up. Change the air filter, do an oil change, and wind in a new set of Delco Iridium plugs.(PN 41-103) Only use the Delco plugs, the Ecotec engines were designed around them, and using other brands almost always guarantees a check engine light when they start misfiring.
06-07-2013 | 02:52 PM
#8
Senior Member
Joined: 01-24-2013
Posts: 188
From: FRESNO CA
Follow the maintenance requirements in the owner’s manual suggested by GM. Run good quality fuel, oil and filters. These are good cars and will last a good long time considering the vehicle get proper maintenance. Other than that make it yours and drive it like you stool it. GOOD LUCK
06-07-2013 | 06:12 PM
#9
Senior Member
Joined: 03-22-2012
Posts: 1,012
From: Rogers City, Michigan
WELCOME from Michigan
USSKECK
For fuel economy make sure to keep a clean air filter. The easier it can breathe the better mileage you will get. After market air filter systems can improve mileage a little but don't by those expensive types.
Boydie
Back in the Saddle...............
For fuel economy make sure to keep a clean air filter. The easier it can breathe the better mileage you will get. After market air filter systems can improve mileage a little but don't by those expensive types.
Boydie
Back in the Saddle...............
06-07-2013 | 07:54 PM
#10
Senior Member
Joined: 02-03-2013
Posts: 840
From: Arcola
Welcome to the Forum! Very good mileage suggestions above. I would add that when you are doing your mods, resist the urge to plus size your wheels and tires if mileage is more important to you than aesthetics. The extra rolling resistance of the wider tires can cost you quite a bit of mpg's.