Easy Ways To Steer Clear Of The Pump

Easy WaysTo Steer Clear Of The Pump (NAPSA)—Rising fuel costs don’t have to put the brakes on your next trip. Instead, try a few gas-saving tips to help you conserve fuel whether you're driving across country or across town. For instance, just checking the trunk and backseat for any unnecessary baggage could cut down on trips to the pump. Experts say that an extra 100 pounds of weight in a car typically reduces fuel economy by 1 to 2 percent. Try these additional suggestions: Keep It Maintained The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) says that something as simple as replacing a clogged air filter can increase mileage by 10 percent, and changing an old oxygen sensor could result in an improvement as high as 40 percent. Check your owner’s manual to be certain you're taking proper care of your car and following the suggested maintenance schedule. Keep Them Inflated You might improvefuel efficiency by more than 3 percent if you keep your vehicle’s tires properly inflated. Buy a tire gauge and check tires about once a month. You can find the recommended tire pressure on a sticker on the driver’s-side doorjamb or in your owner’s manual. Powered Up Fuel Try putting a fuel additive such as Marvel Mystery Oil into your gas tank when youfill up. The product reduces engine friction, which can increase a vehicle’s gas mileage. Certain gas additives could help increase fuel efficiency. Plus, it helps reduce engine wear by fighting internal motor rust and corrosion, lubricating valves and eliminating valvesticking. Take It Easy Aggressive driving burns fuel fast. Avoid jackrabbit starts at stoplights, and keep your speed down on the highway. The DOE says that every 5 mph you drive over 65 mph represents a 7 per- cent decrease in fuel economy. You might also use cruise control on long trips to help maintain an even and more fuel-efficient speed. Turn It Off Remember that a car that is idling gets zero miles per gallon. It’s more efficient to turn your car off than to leave it on while waiting in line at the drive-through or waiting to pick up the kids. For more information, visit www.marvelmysteryoil.com.