Primer on Fuel Economy

How you maintain, drive and even load your car affects mileage.

Ultra-high gasoline prices have sent some searching high and low for ways to reduce their vehicle's fuel consumption. Some of the solutions they've turned to include devices that make outlandish claims of improved fuel economy, often by applying quasi-scientific methodology.

There are, however, some proven things you can do to increase your vehicle's fuel efficiency for relief at the gas pump.

• Vehicle maintenance. The single most important thing you can do to improve your vehicle's gas mileage is to ensure that the tires are properly inflated. Under-inflated tires create extra rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder to push the car ahead, burning more gas. Also, replace spark plugs and air filters at scheduled intervals.They can waste gas if they're dirty.



• Junk in the trunk. Unload the useless junk many of us carry in our vehicles and try to keep items you take on a holiday trip to a minimum: added weight lowers fuel economy. Also, avoid at all costs carrying things on the roof; it increases a vehicle's aerodynamic drag-and fuel consumption.



• Air conditioner. Using the A/C puts an extra load on the engine. Try parking in a shady spot. That will lower the amount of heat the car absorbs and lighten the load on the air conditioner. Also, once the vehicle is cooled off, put the climate control system on the recirculation mode to help conserve gas.



• Driving style. Use your right foot in a gentle, sedate manner-and you'll save lots of gas. Accelerate and brake gently. And whatever speed you're accustomed to driving at on the highway, lower it. Also, combine errands with your daily commute and try to avoid unnecessary driving.



• Different car. Spring and summer are prime auto-buying months. If you're in the market for a new car and worried about gas mileage, keep this in mind: Many vehicles today are available with more than one kind of engine. Pick the one that's the most fuel-efficient. All-wheel drive may be a great safety feature, but its added weight can lower fuel economy. Stick with the base two-wheel drive to save gas. Also, lighter-colored cars absorb less heat, requiring less use of the A/C to cool them. So to save gas, consider getting a white car.