(ARA) - Fuel prices show no signs of dropping and hybrid automobiles are often hyped as the answer to improve fuel economy. That fact is, there are simple ways to get better fuel economy from your current car or truck and avoid the expense of buying a hybrid.

Here are a few easy ways to get hybrid-like fuel economy without buying a new car or changing your lifestyle.

* Simply follow the maintenance recommendations in your owner’s manual. An out-of-tune engine can increase fuel consumption by as much as 15 percent. Always follow your car manufacturer’s suggested tune-up schedule.

* Upgrade your motor oil. You can save gas and improve performance by switching to high performance synthetic motor oil. According to independent tests, upgrading to Royal Purple motor oil improved fuel economy by as much as five percent and produced notable increases in horsepower and torque. The company’s Web site, www.royalpurple.com, has a ‘fuel-savings calculator’ that can show you how much money you can save annually by upgrading lubricants.

* Regularly replace your air filter. A clogged air filter can increase fuel consumption by as much as 10 percent. Air filters keep impurities from damaging the interior of the engine, so replacing dirty filters will save gas and protect your engine.

* Keep the tires of your vehicle properly inflated. The U.S. Department of Energy reports that under-inflated tires can increase fuel consumption by up to six percent. One study estimates that 50 to 80 percent of the tires rolling on U.S. roads are under inflated. Astonishingly, we could save up to two billion gallons of gas each year simply by properly inflating our tires.

* Keep your gas cap on. About 17 percent of the vehicles on the road have gas caps that are either damaged, loose or are missing altogether, causing 147 million gallons of gas to vaporize every year according to “Auto Service Operator” magazine. A quick visual inspection of your gas cap every time you fill up is an easy, painless way to make sure your fuel is not vanishing into thin air.

To learn more, visit the following websites:

www.royalpurple.com
Web site of high performance lubricant manufacturer Royal Purple.

www.fueleconomy.gov
The U.S. Department of Energy’s Web site dedicated to issues related to fuel economy.

www.gaspricewatch.com
A Web site that helps consumers find the lowest gas prices in there area.