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Take it easy, take care and save gas money

With gas prices soaring, drivers everywhere are feeling the pinch at the pump. However, there are a number of things drivers can do to help improve their car’s fuel efficiency. Consider these six tips from the car-care experts at 3M to maximize a car’s performance.

1. Check the tire pressure. Improperly inflated tires can greatly reduce fuel economy, so make sure the tires are inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure level. The right tire pressure will provide drivers with a safer ride and help reduce wear on the tires.

2. Maintain the vehicle. Replacing a dirty, clogged air filter will go a long way to improving a car’s fuel efficiency. According to the federal government, the car’s gas mileage could improve by as much as 10 percent with a clean air filter. In addition to the fuel savings, the new filter will help protect the engine as well.

3. Clean the fuel system. Carbon and resin buildup in a car’s fuel system stifles the engine’s ability to breathe and reduces fuel efficiency. Flush out the fuel system with a specialized tank additive. By keeping fuel systems clean, drivers will improve their vehicles’ fuel economy.

4. Take it easy and slow down. Driving a car at high speeds, “jack-rabbit starts” and aggressive driving in traffic can greatly reduce fuel efficiency. The US Department of Energy says, “As a rule of thumb, you can assume that each five miles per hour you drive over 60 mph is like paying an additional $0.20 per gallon for gas.”

5. Remove any unnecessary objects in the vehicle, especially heavy items. An extra 100 pounds in a vehicle could reduce fuel efficiency by as much as two percent. Lighten up and the mileage will go up!

6. Use air conditioning sparingly. Don’t run the air conditioner out of habit in the summer; if it’s not too hot out, try using the fan setting alone. This will help drivers get more miles to the gallon.

These tips will not only help drivers improve their car’s performance and save money but will help them save time as well, because they won’t be running to the gas station to fill up quite as often as before.

 

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