An introductory course in inflation

As gas prices climb higher and higher, inflating if you will, saving at the pump becomes an increasing concern. While gas prices are out of your control, Firestone Complete Auto Care can help you get more out of each gallon. Saving on gas starts with the basics, and we’re here to guide you.

Gasonomics is our way of helping you bear the burden of overwhelming gas prices. Getting the most out of each gallon starts with properly inflated tires, but a properly maintained vehicle goes a long way too. Let Firestone Complete Auto Care give your vehicle a free check up to help improve its gas mileage. A check up is fast and free, what could be easier?

Firestone Complete Auto Care's Gasonomics Check-Up Includes:

• Free tire inflation
• Free tread inspection
• Free air filter inspection
• Free alignment check
  …and more.

Make sure you’re getting the most mileage out of each gallon of gas by following these simple fuel savings tips.

1. Proper tire pressure

   When tires aren’t inflated properly it’s like driving with the parking brake on and this can waste a mile or two per gallon. By maintaining the correct air pressure, you can realize a 10 percent improvement in gas savings. Check your owner’s manual for the proper air pressure for your vehicle’s tires. (source: American Automobile Association (www.aaa.com))

   Find your vehicle’s recommended tire pressure

2. Optimize octane

   Check your owner’s manual for the correct octane level for your vehicle’s engine. 20 percent of drivers purchase premium fuel when filling up at the pump, but less than 5 percent of cars on the road have engines designed for high octane fuel. If your engine was not, then pumping premium is only putting you at a loss. (source: American Automobile Association (www.aaa.com))

3. Save more by slowing down

   You could see a 15 percent improvement in your gas mileage, if you decrease your highway driving from 65 to 55 mph. And better gas mileage is maintained by increasing and decreasing your speed steadily. Drastic acceleration and sudden braking spend fuel faster. Slow down on the highway and use your cruise control as often as possible.(source: Consumer Federation of America)

4. Follow motor oil grade recommendations

   Using the manufacturer’s recommended grade of motor oil, can improve your gas mileage by 1.2 percent. For example, using 10W-30 motor oil in an engine designed to use 5W-30 can lower your gas mileage by 1.2 percent. Using 5W-30 in an engine designed for 5W-20 can lower your gas mileage by 1-1.5 percent. (source: (www.fueleconomy.org))

   Don’t forget to check your fuel cap. Make sure it’s undamaged and secure. Missing or problematic caps are responsible for 147 million gallons of gas vaporizing annually. (source: Car Care Council (www.carcare.org))

5. Avoid idling your vehicle

   If you expect to be stopped in your vehicle for an extended period of time, turn the engine off. Consider going into a establishment instead of going through the drive-up. Limit warming up your vehicle in the winter.

6. Rid the trunk of your junk

   Gas mileage decreases as extra weight is added. Remove items you don’t use daily to make your vehicle fuel efficient.

   Improving your vehicle’s aerodynamics will help lower your fuel cost. Take down any bike, ski, or cargo racks from your roof. Washing and waxing your vehicle and rolling up the windows will help improve aerodynamics.

7. Enjoy the breeze

   Use your air conditioning only when necessary. This tip might not be reasonable for everyone. Forgoing a/c in the south on a sweltering hot day certainly isn’t practical. The air conditioning utilizes your vehicle’s motor, eating into your gas savings.

   Parking your vehicle in the shade, and venting your windows a little when you park, will help to keep it cool when you get in. When driving at lower speeds enjoy the breeze or open the air vents to keep your car comfortable. Once you reach highway speed roll up your windows to improve your aerodynamics and set your a/c to a reasonable level. (source: Consumer Federation of America)

8. Opt for overdrive

   If your car is equipped with overdrive gearing (on 5-speed manual transmissions and 4-speed automatic transmissions), be sure to make use of the overdrive gear as soon as you are going fast enough. If you have a manual transmission, the lower the shift speed, the better the gas savings. Your owner’s manual will give you further information. (source: Consumer Federation of America)

9. Tune-ups and regular maintenance check-ups are clutch

   One of the best ways to gain fuel economy is to get regular tune-ups. This will help improve gas mileage as well as ensure the maximum performance of your vehicle. Your maintenance schedule can be found in your owner's manual. Worn spark plugs, dragging brakes, low transmission fluid, or your transmission going into high gear can all reduce fuel economy. Bring your vehicle to Firestone Complete Auto Care to maintain your car or truck’s performance and control your fuel budget.

   Go to Maintain Your Auto to learn more about vehicle maintenance.