Experts offer easy ways to improve gas mileage

by Kelli Cheatham (kcheatham@wsbt.com)

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South Bend smog

Experts say it's best to use your air conditioner in the city rather than on the highway if you're looking to save on gas. Tribune File Photo/Paul Rakestraw)

By WSBT News1

Story Created: Jun 30, 2008 at 7:03 AM EST

Story Updated: Jul 3, 2008 at 10:29 PM EST

SOUTH BEND — Whether it's your summer vacation or a weekend road trip this Fourth of July, there are steps you can take to squeeze better gas mileage out of your car.

The first thing experts suggest checking out should be pretty obvious to a driver. If your "Check Engine" light is on, you should get it checked out as soon as possible.

"The check engine light is basically telling the computer there is a problem with the fuel delivery system of the engine," explained Gates Chevy service technician Dave Lyles.

Lyles said the engine helps gage how much fuel is needed to help the car run as efficiently as possible.

Experts also say checking your tire pressure is important when it comes to getting good gas mileage.

"It takes more horsepower to move the vehicle when the tire pressures are low," Lyles said. "Most tires on today's vehicles and light trucks are between 30 and 35 pounds."

The air filter should also be changed as often as necessary.

"[A clean air filter] allows the air flow into the engine so the computer knows it's getting the right amount of air in order to mix the fuel correctly," Lyles told WSBT.

Both Lyles and Service Consultant Ed Campbell also agree an engine tune-up could save money.

But they say driving styles impact gas mileage more than most drivers might think.

"You need to be smooth, you need to be patient," explained Lyles. "Jackrabbit starts or the fast stops always cost more fuel."

Lyles said an SUV could save between 3 and 5 miles per gallon if it drives between 55 and 65 miles per hour on the highway.

"Manufacturers today have done a lot to reduce the weight of the vehicle overall," explained Lyles. "But we as humans have a tendency to add weight to the vehicle with the stuff that we need."

Service Consultant Ed Campbell said it's best to use your air conditioner sometimes, but not all the time, if you're looking to save on gas mileage.

"The best time to use the air conditioner is when you're in town at slower speeds," he said. "When you get on the highway it's going to create more drag, you're going to have more resistance on the vehicle, so you're going to burn more fuel."

Here's a list of 10 ways car experts suggest to improve gas mileage:

1. Check on "Check Engine" Light
2. Check Tire Pressure
3. Change Air Filter
4. Get a tune-up
5. Change oil on time
6. Drive slow and steady in the city
7. Drive at slower speeds on highway
8. Lose weight in your car
9. Turn off air conditioner in the city
10. Get rid of your roof rack

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