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(NC)-Rising gas prices are getting people down but cutting back on driving isn't always an option, especially in the winter.
The good news is there are some tips to not let rising gas prices add to your winter blues.
To help keep some extra money in the wallet and extend the time between fill ups, try these simple gas saving tips:
. When planning trips, try to stay away from areas with excess traffic, such as busy shopping centres during holiday season, to avoid stop-and-go driving. Also, use cruise control on the highway to ensure a consistent speed. How you accelerate can affect your gas mileage.
. Making sure the flow of gas to the engine is not blocked is vital to getting the most out of each litre of gas. Optimal use of gasoline is helped by keeping deposits from forming in fuel injectors and on intake valves. One great way to help keep harmful deposits from accumulating in your fuel system is to use a product like STP Gas Treatment, which contains detergents, regularly when you fill up.
. Ensure the weight in the car is properly distributed. Don't carry a lot of weight on top of the car and carry only the basic emergency equipment and items you really need in the trunk. Remove ski racks or carriers when they are not being used as they can add unnecessary resistance to the vehicle. The amount of resistance put on the car can have an effect on the fuel economy.
. Cold weather will cause the air pressure in tires to drop so check your tires' air pressure before getting on the road. If the tires are under-inflated, the engine will have to work harder to push the vehicle, causing fuel to burn faster.
. Avoid prolonged warming up of the engine, even in cold weather conditions. Warming a car's engine before driving wastes gas. Newer cars do not require warm-up.
More information can be found online at www.stp.com.