Gas prices have reached record highs again, averaging $3.50 per gallon. Crude oil also is at record high prices at more than $117 per barrel. But while people are pinching pennies more than ever at the pump, there are things technicians and shop owners can stress to their customers to help keep their vehicle running properly and efficiently. The Car Care Council warns that putting off vehicle care and maintenance can make matters worse. Proper vehicle maintenance will increase miles per gallon, saving precious dollars at the pump. “The best way to fight higher costs at the gas pump is to keep your vehicle running properly. You can’t control the price of gas, but you can control how much gas you burn by proper maintenance and how you drive,” says Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. “Performing simple and inexpensive maintenance can save as much as $1,200 a year in gas cost.” The Car Care Council suggests sharing these gas-savings maintenance and driving tips with your customers: • When tires aren’t inflated properly, it’s like driving with the parking brake on and can cost a mile or two per gallon. • An air filter that is clogged with dirt, dust and bugs chokes off the air and creates a “rich” mixture – too much gas being burned for the amount of air, which wastes gas and causes the engine to lose power. Replacing a clogged air filter can improve gas mileage by as much as 10 percent, saving about 15 cents on a gallon. • A vehicle can have either four, six or eight spark plugs, which fire as many as 3 million times each 1,000 miles, resulting in a lot of heat, electrical and chemical erosion. A dirty spark plug causes misfiring, which wastes fuel. Spark plugs need to be replaced regularly. • Keep your car properly tuned. A 21st century tune-up can improve your gas mileage by an average of four percent. Fixing a serious maintenance problem, such as a faulty oxygen sensor, can improve your mileage by as much as 40 percent. | 
