5. Make sure

your technician checks your A/C system for proper freon level and condition

of belts. To help conserve gasoline, use your air conditioner on the road

rather than keeping windows down. Open windows create wind drag, straining

the engine.

6. Change engine

oil and filters if you haven't done that in the last three months or 3,000

miles.

7. Check the

condition of the windshield wiper blades and have them changed if they

do not provide adequate visibility, and top off the windshield wiper solution

(do not use plain water).

8. Use cruise

control to maintain a steady speed and save gas.

9. Use only

the fuel octane recommended for your car. Higher octane gas, which produces

less energy, not only costs more, it also yields lower miles per gallon.

10. Every time

you stop for gas, check oil level and inspect tires, and clean the windshield.

Do NOT check coolant level when engine is hot, except to visually inspect

the overflow (or recovery) bottle. If you are just making a quick pit

stop (five minutes or less), do not cut the engine; let the car idle for

a few minutes.

For added peace

of mind, Joel Burrows, a.k.a. "The Car Doctor" and veteran trainer

at Precision Tune Auto Care, suggests an engine and emissions analysis

to ensure there are no problems and that the engine is running at maximum

efficiency. This, too, helps reduce your fuel bill. And for safety he

recommends you bring a cell and road map.

Precision Tune

Auto Care has been a national leader in car care for over 25 years and

is the one-stop shop for factory scheduled maintenance, service and repairs

for autos, SUVs and minivans. PTAC services over a million vehicles each

year, operates more than 330 state-of-the-art computerized service centers

throughout the United States and is a leader in educating the driving

public on the importance of car care for personal safety and the health

of the environment.