Eye on the Pump - Gas Prices

• Apr 22, 2008 5:51 pm US/Eastern
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  Getting Better Gas Mileage Could Be A Tune Up Away

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Getting Better Gas Mileage Could Be A Tune Up Away

Proper Maintenance Will Improve Fuel Efficiency

CBS4 Eye On The Pump

MIAMI (CBS4) ― As the price at the pump continues to climb to its expected high this summer of $4 for a gallon of regular unleaded, there are some things you can do to 'lighten the load and save some dough'.

According to the latest survey American Automobile Association nationwide regular unleaded is averaging at $3.51 a gallon; statewide that same gallon is averaging $3.54.

In Miami Dade County, a gallon of regular unleaded is averaging $3.60, it's a little cheaper in Ft. Lauderdale at $3.56.

In order to squeeze every mile out of every drop in thank the best thing drivers can do is keep their car, SUV or truck tuned for efficiency.

"The best way to fight higher costs at the gas pump is to keep your vehicle running properly. You can't control the price of gas, but you can control how much gas you burn by proper maintenance and how you drive," said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. "Performing simple and inexpensive maintenance can save as much as $1200 a year in gas cost."

When it comes checking to see if your vehicle is operating at a peak efficiency those in the know at the Florida Trade Commission say you should start from the ground up.

Tire inflation is a key factor in getting good gas mileage; improperly inflated tires can cost a mile or two per gallon.

Next take a peak, or a have a mechanic check, your vehicle's air filter. Mile after mile, the filter can become clogged with dirt, dust and bugs which chokes on the air getting into the engine. When this happens it creates what's called a "rich" mixture - too much gas being burned for the amount of air which not only wastes gas, it also causes the engine to lose power. Replacing a clogged air filter can not only improve a vehicle's gas mileage by as much as 10 percent, it can also save about 15 cents on a gallon.

Along with changing spark plugs on a regular basis, getting a tune up if you haven't had one in a while could improve your gas mileage by an average of four percent. Fixing a serious maintenance problem, such as a faulty oxygen sensor, can improve your mileage by as much as 40 percent.

Click Here for more gas saving tips.

(© MMVIII, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)

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