CHARLOTTE, NC - 14 June, 2004 -

With summer vacation driving just around the corner and gas prices going 'round the bend, your local Meineke Car Care Center offers a few tips for saving money by extending your car's gas mileage: Slow down and save. Watch your speed. Optimal gas mileage is obtained at about 45 mph. Use cruise control to maintain a steady pace. Anticipate traffic patterns, so you come to a gradual, gentle stop, and avoid jack-rabbit starts. Avoid idling. Idling vehicles get 0 miles per gallon. If you're going to be waiting more than 60 seconds, turn off your engine. Keep your car well maintained. Properly inflated tires, oil changes every 3,000 miles, regular tune-ups and a clean air filter all promote extended mileage. Plan ahead. Think before you drive and combine several errands into one trip. You'll save time as well as gas. Jettison extra weight. Unload accumulated cargo from the trunk, floor boards or truck bed. Additional weight eats up fuel. Car pool. Sharing the ride shares the expense. Drive your most fuel-efficient vehicle. When you've got a choice, keep the gas-guzzler in the garage and use your compact car. Better yet, trade in the gas-guzzler for something more efficient. Limit use of air conditioning. Air conditioning is a huge fuel waster. On cool mornings and evenings, do without. Keep in mind though, that driving with windows wide open creates enough drag to decrease gas mileage. Find a balance between the two. If possible, stay away from rush hour traffic. Stop-and-go, bumper to bumper driving burns fuel. Plan your day to avoid peak traffic hours. Think outside the box (or car). Consider alternative ways of getting from point A to point B: Walk . . . ride a bicycle . . . take the bus . . . shop by mail. Look for ways to stay out of the car and away from the pump. Meineke Car Care Center has been one of the most recognized and trusted automotive repair brands in America since its establishment 32 years ago. Formerly Meineke Discount Mufflers, the chain has expanded product offerings over the years to include brakes, suspension, tune-ups, oil changes and a wide variety of maintenance services.

This article has been read 852 times .