DIAMOND BAR, Calif., March 13 /PRNewswire/ -- As gas prices rev up,
enjoythedrive.com suggests several ways drivers can save money at the gas
pump.
"Everybody has become uncomfortably aware of their vehicles' fuel
economy," says Chris Horn, vice president of communications for SEMA, the
Specialty Equipment Market Association. "While you can save money by driving
fewer miles, that isn't an option for most of us. Fortunately, it's easy for
practically any vehicle to get better gas mileage. And there's a bonus: Many
modifications that enhance fuel economy also improve your vehicle's
performance, and they reduce emissions."
Enjoythedrive.com offers the following money-saving tips:
1. CHECK YOUR TIRES. Low tires reduce fuel economy and wear out faster.
If you don't check your tire pressure regularly, consider installing a tire
monitoring system to alert you whenever it's time to add air.
2. MAKE LIFE EASIER FOR YOUR ENGINE. Engines hate friction, so anything
you can do to reduce it will make your motor-and your wallet-happier. For
starters, change your oil regularly, and use a high-quality or synthetic motor
oil to further reduce internal friction. Oil additives can reduce friction,
too.
3. LIGHT A FIRE. Is your engine overdue for a tune-up? If so, new spark
plugs and wires will make a difference. Even if you're not behind in
maintenance, an upgrade to high-performance spark plugs and low-resistance
plug wires can improve fuel economy and performance, as well as reduce
emissions.
4. BREATHE DEEPLY. If you've ever tried to drink a thick milkshake
through a straw, you know how hard it is to pull fluid through an opening
that's too small. Your engine may be trying to gulp air through a small
intake system-or a dirty air filter. A new high-flow air filter can help your
engine inhale more easily.
5. LET IT OUT. If your engine is trying to exhale through an exhaust
system that's too small, a high-flow muffler or headers can help. Also, make
sure your catalytic converter isn't clogged (you'll know, because your exhaust
will smell like rotten eggs). When it's time to change, a high-flow "cat"
will further increase your fuel economy.
6. DON'T IDLE WHILE YOU'RE WAITING. When you aren't moving and the
engine's running, you're getting 0 miles per gallon. If you're going to be
sitting still for more than a couple minutes, shut off the engine.
7. DON'T FLOOR IT. It may be fun to see how fast your vehicle can
accelerate, but that's definitely not the way to optimize fuel economy.
For more information on improving gas mileage and other automotive tips,
visit http://www.enjoythedrive.com SEMA's consumer Web site.
Founded in 1963, SEMA represents the $26 billion specialty automotive
industry, and is the authoritative source of information about industry which
provides appearance, performance, comfort, convenience and technology products
for passenger cars, minivans, trucks, SUVs and recreational vehicles.
SOURCE Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA)
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Related links:
http://www.enjoythedrive.com
CONTACT:
Rosemarie Kitchin, ext. 104,
rosemariek@sema.org, or Lisa Guth, ext. 181, lisag@sema.org, both
of SEMA, +1-909-396-0289
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