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EPA’s Three Tips for Improved Fuel Economy

With fuel prices on a never-ending rise, it is important, now more than ever, to do everything you can to conserve your gas mileage. Recently, while researching the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Web site, I came across these three simple tips to improve your gas mileage no matter what you drive.

Drive Sensibly: Aggressive driving (speeding, rapid acceleration and braking) wastes gas. It can lower gas mileage by 33 percent at highway speeds and by 5 percent around town. Fuel Economy Benefit: 5-33 percent. Equivalent Gasoline Savings: $0.18 – $1.16 per gallon.

Check and Replace Air Filters: Replacing a plugged filter improves fuel economy by up to 10 percent, according to the EPA. A vehicle’s air filter keeps impurities from damaging the inside of the engine. Not only will replacing a dirty air filter save gas, it will help protect the engine. Fuel Economy Benefit: up to 10 percent. Equivalent Gasoline Savings: up to $0.35 per gallon.

Keep tires properly inflated: Improve gas mileage by about 3.3 percent by keeping tires inflated to the proper pressure. Under-inflated tires can lower gas mileage by 0.4 percent for every 1 psi drop in pressure of all four tires. Fuel Economy Benefit: up to 3 percent. Equivalent Gasoline Savings: up to $0.11 per gallon.

"Tire pressure is critical," said Robert Sinclair, spokesperson for AAA of New York. "If you’ve ever ridden a bicycle with low air pressure, you know that extra rolling resistance makes you work much harder. It’s the same thing with your engine."

For more information, try logging on to the EPA’s Web site, www.fueleconomy.gov. Next time you’re out, try to remember to employ some of these fuel saving tips into your daily routine!