Gas-Saving Tips In Trying Times

In Trying Times (NAPSA)—Every day seems to bring higher prices at the gas pump. Here are some gas-saving tips from the experts at the non- profit National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). Monitor tires. Underinflated tires or poorly aligned wheels waste fuel by forcing the engine to work harder. eRemove excess weight. Remove unnecessary items from the vehicle and the trunk. Less weight means better mileage. eConsolidate trips and errands. Also, try to travel when traffic is light so you can avoid stop-and-go conditions. eKeep your engine “tuned up.” Replacefilters and fluids as recom- mended; have engine performance problems (rough idling, poor accel- eration, etc.) corrected. Given today’s high-tech engines, it’s wise to have this type of work done by auto technicians who are ASE cer- tified in engine performance. eUse windowsandair-condi- tioning wisely. Keep windows up at highway speeds to reduce air drag. This is true even with the air-conditioning on. But turn off the A/C in stop-and-gotraffic. e Avoid excessive idling. Shut off the engine while waiting for friends and family. eObserve speed limits. Speed- ing decreases your mileage. Drive gently. Sudden acceler- ations guzzle gas. Anticipate traf- fic patterns ahead and adjust your speed gradually. The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence works to improve automotive ser- vice and repair through the volun- tary testing and certification of auto service professionals. ASEcertified technicians wear blue and white insignia and carry credentials listing their exact area(s) of certification. Their employers often display the blue and white ASEsign.