Spend Less on Gas

Our busy schedu les and attempts to make travel plans can sometimes distract us from the little things — like making sure our cars are running optimally. Firestone Complete Auto Care had you in mind when it came up with a great list of ways to help you save money at the gas pump. With a little extra attention, your vehicle doesn’t have to add to that huge dent rising gas prices are putting in your wallet.

• At least once a month, make sure your tires are properly inflated according to the vehicle’s specifications. Over-inflating tires by even a pound or two might improve fuel mileage in the short run, but it causes tires to wear prematurely. The money you save in fuel is less than what you would pay to replace the tires.

• Buy the right octane. Look in your vehicle’s owner’s manual for the correct octane level for your car’s engine. Odds are that it will be regular unleaded. Your vehicle should run just fine on regular if that’s what the manual recommends, and it costs less.

• An annual full-vehicle inspection, including the air conditioning system, may help you avoid costly repairs.

• Vehicles use less fuel the more slowly they travel. Try dropping your highway speed by 10 mph to see big savings at the pump.

• Extra weight in your vehicle makes it work harder, hence less fuel mileage. If you have a trunk full of junk, empty it out for better fuel economy and to save money.

• Nothing can put a damper on travel plans more than unpredictable gas prices. That’s why Firestone Complete Auto Care created Gasonomics, an online resource to help you save money at the pump! Go to www.firestonecompleteautocare.com/gasonomics for money-saving tips and special offers from Firestone Complete Auto Care, or to locate the lowest-priced gas near your home.

With so much beautiful weather heading our way, your car may be the last thing on your mind. However, taking a few small steps can put more money in your wallet, money you can use to celebrate spring and summer.

— NEWSUSA