(NAPSA)—Many Americans suffering from sticker shock at the gas pump could get an additional 10 miles out of every fill-up. In fact, American motorists could save more than $1.1 billion in unnecessary fuel costs. One of the fastest, easiest and least expensive ways to improve a vehicle’s gas mileage is through proper tire inflation. An underin- flated tire doesn’t roll as smoothly and the increased resistance requires more energy, robbing the vehicle of fuel efficiency. Yet one in every three cars in the U.S. has at least one underinflated tire, according to the National High- Only 19 percent of drivers properly check their tire pressure and more than half of all motorists do way Traffic Safety Administration. not even knowtheir proper inflation number or wheretofind it. average driver could improve gas mileage by 3.3 percent by simply tight and not damaged. Some 17 percent of the vehicles on U.S. highways have either misused suggest, that’s a savings of about to vaporize into the atmosphere, reports Service Tech Magazine. e Avoid quick or “jackrabbit” To help, the experts at The ing wastes gas and can reduce Underinflated tires cost the country more than 3.5 million gallons of gasoline each day. The keeping tires inflated to the proper pressure. For the average 15-gallon fuel tank, U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) statistics $1.50 on every fill-up. Makesure your gascap is on or missing gas caps, causing 147,000,000 gallons of gas a year starts and stops. Aggressive driv- Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company your gas mileage by 33 percent on Replacing a clogged air filter can improve mileage by as much city. Observe the speed limit; gas mileage decreases rapidly above 60 miles per hour. To maximize fuel economy have developed a few more easy gas-saving tips: as 10 percent. Don’t overload your car. An extra 100 pounds reduces fuel economy by 1 or 2 percent, says the DOE. Use the grade of motor oil recommended by the vehicle manufacturer. That can improve gas mileage by a percent or two, the DOEadds. e Keep your car properly tuned. That can improve gas mileage an average of 4.1 percent. the highway and 5 percent in the and also improve tire performance and efficiency, Goodyearis offering free inspection of tires—regardless of brand—at any of its 750 company-owned and at participating independently owned and operated Goodyear locations across the country. If tires are underinflated, they will be filled at no charge. No appointmentis necessary. You can learn more at www. goodyeartires.com.
