Fuel Economy

Here’s 10 ways to Fight High Gas Prices:

1) Keep your car properly maintained. Following manufacturer recommendations for engine, cooling, ignition system, brakes, drive train and emission control systems will reduce fuel consumption.

2) Check and replace air filters regularly. This can improve mileage by as much as 10 percent.

3) Keep tires properly inflated. This will improve mileage by about 3.3 percent. Properly inflated tires are less likely to overheat and cause blowouts or tread separation.

4) Use the recommended grade of motor oil to maximize fuel economy. Look for the “Energy Conserving” label that indicates that the motor oil contains “friction reducing” additives.

5) Observe the Speed Limit. Higher speeds consume more fuel. At $3 a gallon, each 5 mph you drive over 60 mph is like paying an extra 20 cents a gallon for gasoline.

6) Avoid Excessive Acceleration. Speeding, rapid acceleration and rapid braking can reduce gasoline mileage by as much as 33 percent at highway speeds.

7) Use cruise control. Maintaining a constant speed in most cases will save gasoline in conventional vehicles.

8) Don’t “top off” your gasoline tank. This releases gasoline fumes, which contributes to air pollution. At service stations equipped with Vapor Recovery systems, the excess fuel can actually be sucked back into the underground storage tank.

9) Don’t use High Octane Premium gasoline unless your car’s manufacturer specifically recommends it. In most cases, a higher octane will not improve performance or reduce fuel consumption. It will just cost more at the pump.

10) Reduce your driving by planning trips. Use mass transit, carpools or bicycles if possible. Walking is good for your health, and it’s good for your fuel budget.

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