(NAPSI)—Recent polls conducted by the Travel Industry Association of America and the Associated Press state that increases in gasoline prices and concerns about the economy will cause 30 percent of travelers to modify vacation plans this summer, while 7 percent, or 10.3 million Americans, will cancel plans indefinitely. The good news is that by simply paying attention to how and where you drive on a regular basis, while maintaining solid car care, you can reduce the amount of fuel used annually by more than 25 percent.
“As summer air-quality guidelines remain strict, refineries run with little or no spare capacity, and supplies of clean-burning fuel are limited, consumers are forced to spend more money at the pump,” said Clint Bland, vice president, automotive, of Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. “However, by following simple, gas-conserving car care tips, consumers can still enjoy a far-off summer destination without going broke.”
Bland encourages consumers to fill up on the following fuel-saving tips:
• Use fuel-system cleaners/additives, which can increase gas mileage by up to 15 percent.
• Replace dirty oil and air filters. That can boost fuel economy by up to 10 percent.
• Keep tires properly inflated to improve fuel efficiency as much as 6 percent.
• Change your oil regularly, and use synthetic oil to increase gas mileage up to 3 percent.
• Use air conditioning sparingly, but keep windows closed during highway travel. Air conditioning reduces fuel economy by 10 to 20 percent, but open windows at high speeds cause significant drag.
• Buy gasoline during the coolest time of day—early morning or late evening—while the gasoline is at its densest.
• Maintain a consistent speed on the highway to improve gas mileage, and plan out a direct route before embarking on long trips.
• Drive the most energy-efficient car in the family most frequently, and consolidate trips and errands to limit driving time and miles driven.
• Find a local store that provides one-stop shopping to limit drive time and mileage.
• Inspect suspension and chassis parts for occasional misalignment such as bent wheels, axles, bad shocks, or broken springs. These can create engine drag.
Bland reminds motorists that fuel savings may vary according to engine type and condition, but just about anyone who drives can save fuel and money this summer by following these simple tips. What’s more, fuel-saving products are available at more than 2,600 Wal-Mart stores nationwide.
You can check out Wal-Mart’s Tire & Lube Express at more than 1,400 locations, where trained specialists will change your oil or install new tires while you shop.
