MEMPHIS, Tenn., July 13, 2006 (PRIMEZONE) -- With gas prices soaring, you want to make sure you get the most out of every tank. Combine that with summer heat and travel, tuning up your car or truck takes on added importance. These money-saving tips from AutoZone can help you maximize your fuel economy and keep your car performing at its peak this summer:
Replace your "forgotten filters." Often overlooked, the fuel filter, PCV valve and breather filter should all be replaced once a year or every 12,000 miles. This step alone could help improve your gas mileage by up to 15%!
Replace your faulty oxygen sensors. Checking and changing an oxygen sensor is quick and easy! And replacing a faulty oxygen sensor can save you up to six trips to the gas pump a year. At today's gas prices, that's more than $100!
Replace your dirty air filter. Even a small amount of dirt in your engine can cause more wear than 75,000 miles of normal driving. One of the easiest ways to extend the life of your engine is to replace your air filter once a year, or every 12,000 miles.
Change your old spark plugs and spark plug wires. This is the most basic element of any tune-up. Industry experts recommend changing plugs and plug wires every three years or 36,000 miles, but check your owner's manual for the right maintenance intervals for your vehicle.
Add fuel injector cleaner to a full tank of gas every 3,000 miles.
Change your oil and oil filter. Changing your oil every three months or 3,000 miles will help extend the life of your engine and keep your car running at its peak. Always remember to change your oil filter every time you change your oil.
Keep your tires properly inflated. Tires that are under-inflated waste gas.
Don't use premium fuel if your car doesn't require it; it's an unnecessary expense, and it could even reduce your fuel economy.
Get a new gas cap, with a lock. A gas cap with a faulty seal could cost you $50 worth of gasoline a year due to evaporation.
Avoid excessive idling. Sitting idle gets zero miles per gallon! Letting your vehicle warm up for a minute or two is sufficient, especially in summer.
Observe the speed limit. Gas mileage decreases rapidly at speeds above 60 miles per hour. Each mile per hour over 60 can cost you an extra 10 cents per gallon.
Combine errands into one trip. This will save you gas and time. Several short trips taken from a cold start can use twice as much fuel as a longer multi-purpose trip covering the same distance.
Avoid carrying unneeded heavy items. An extra 100 pounds in your car or truck can cut fuel efficiency by one or two percent.
Don't be an aggressive driver. Aggressive driving can lower gas mileage by as much as 33% on the highway and 5% on city streets, which can cost you up to 49 cents per gallon.
Other important steps for your summer car tune-up include checking the coolant level and inspecting the radiator cap, radiator hoses, fan belts and battery, as well as testing your starting and charging system. AutoZone can help you with all of these; just stop by your local AutoZone store, or visit us on the web at www.autozone.com.
About AutoZone:
As of May 6, 2006, AutoZone sells auto and light truck parts, chemicals and accessories through 3,699 AutoZone stores in the United States and 92 AutoZone stores in Mexico, and also sells the ALLDATA brand automotive diagnostic and repair software. On the web, AutoZone sells diagnostic and repair information and auto and light truck parts through www.autozone.com.