MEMPHIS, Tenn., Oct. 21, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- With today's high gas prices, maximizing your car's fuel economy is more important than ever. These simple money-saving tips from AutoZone can help you get the most out of every tank.
Clean the fuel system. Add a bottle of fuel system cleaner to your gas tank every three months or 3,000 miles. It will help your car run smoother and remove deposits that rob gas mileage and destroy performance.
Air up the tires. Tires that are under-inflated waste gas. Check your tires often for proper inflation. Inflation ratings are found on the inner door panel or in the owner's manual.
Change the filters. Replace your car's air filter, PCV valve, breather element and fuel filter once a year or every 12,000 miles. It could improve your gas mileage by up to 15 percent!
Replace worn-out oxygen sensors. Replacing a faulty oxygen sensor could improve your gas mileage by 15 percent or more, saving you hundreds of dollars a year in gas. And changing your oxygen sensor is quick and easy -- AutoZone will even loan you the tools you'll need to do it, for free!
Change your spark plugs. Fouled, damaged or worn-out spark plugs can cause drive ability problems and rob fuel efficiency. In fact, even one fouled plug can cost you a mile or two per gallon. Replace your spark plugs every 30,000 miles to maximize power, performance and fuel economy.
Lay off the high-octane fuel (if possible). Don't use premium fuel if your car does not require it (check your owner's manual); it's an unnecessary expense, and it could even reduce your fuel economy.
Don't be a lead foot. Anticipate merging traffic and stoplights -- decelerate and accelerate smoothly. Avoid sudden or jackrabbit starts. Use cruise control when on long stretches of road.
Going nowhere? Kill the engine. Don't idle your engine for long periods. Modern engines don't require long warm-ups -- especially this time of year.
Combine errands to save gas. If you need to go several places, plan a route that allows you to run most or all of your errands in one outing.
For more money-saving tips, ask an AutoZoner, or check out the Special Features section at AutoZone.com.
About AutoZone:
As of August 27, 2005, AutoZone sells auto and light truck parts, chemicals and accessories through 3,592 AutoZone stores in the United States and 81 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.