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(NAPSI)-Many Americans suffering from sticker shock at the gas pump could get an additional 10 miles out of every fill-up. In fact, American motorists could save more than $1.1 billion in unnecessary fuel costs.
One of the fastest, easiest and least expensive ways to improve a vehicle's gas mileage is through proper tire inflation. An underinflated tire doesn't roll as smoothly and the increased resistance requires more energy, robbing the vehicle of fuel efficiency. Yet one in every three cars in the U.S. has at least one underinflated tire, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Underinflated tires cost the country more than 3.5 million gallons of gasoline each day. The average driver could improve gas mileage by 3.3 percent by simply keeping tires inflated to the proper pressure. For the average 15-gallon fuel tank, U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) statistics suggest, that's a savings of about $1.50 on every fill-up.
To help, the experts at The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company have developed a few more easy gas-saving tips:
• Replacing a clogged air filter can improve mileage by as much as 10 percent.
• Don't overload your car. An extra 100 pounds reduces fuel economy by 1 or 2 percent, says the DOE.
• Use the grade of motor oil recommended by the vehicle manufacturer. That can improve gas mileage by a percent or two, the DOE adds.
• Keep your car properly tuned. That can improve gas mileage an average of 4.1 percent.
• Make sure your gas cap is on tight and not damaged. Some 17 percent of the vehicles on U.S. highways have either misused or missing gas caps, causing 147,000,000 gallons of gas a year to vaporize into the atmosphere, reports Service Tech Magazine.
• Avoid quick or "jackrabbit" starts and stops. Aggressive driving wastes gas and can reduce your gas mileage by 33 percent on the highway and 5 percent in the city. Observe the speed limit; gas mileage decreases rapidly above 60 miles per hour.
• To maximize fuel economy and also improve tire performance and efficiency, Goodyear is offering free inspection of tires-regardless of brand-at any of its 750 company-owned and at participating independently owned and operated Goodyear locations across the country. If tires are underinflated, they will be filled at no charge. No appointment is necessary.
You can learn more at www.goodyeartires.com.
Only 19 percent of drivers properly check their tire pressure and more than half of all motorists do not even know their proper inflation number or where to find it.