Take the Gas Saving 101 Quiz

BETHESDA, Md., Aug. 14, 2008 -- If your son or daughter is driving back to college in the next few weeks, now's the time to test their knowledge about how to get the best gas mileage while away from home. The Car Care Council's short Gas Saving 101 Quiz is a reminder to students, as well as all motorists, that the number of miles per gallon (mpg) a car gets is directly related to driving behavior and vehicle maintenance.

"College students are usually on limited budgets and they can very easily save money on gas by driving smarter, and keeping an eye on a few of the vehicle components that affect fuel economy," said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council.

  TRUE OR FALSE
  Q.1 - Properly inflated tires improve gas mileage.

A.1 - True. When tires are not properly inflated, fuel costs can be as much as three to five cents higher per gallon. Tire pressure should be checked at least monthly, including the spare.

Q.2 - Aggressive driving and jackrabbit starts do not affect fuel economy.

A.2 - False. Aggressive driving and rapid acceleration can reduce gas mileage as much as 33 percent on the highway and 5 percent on city streets. When a vehicle is left idling, it wastes gas and gets zero mpg.

Q.3 - Speeding has little effect on gas mileage.

A.3 - False. In speeds above 60 mph, gas mileage usually decreases rapidly. For maximum fuel economy, stay below 60 mph.

Q.4 - It's no big deal if the gas cap gets lost or cracked.

A.4 - False. Approximately 17 percent of vehicles on the road have loose, damaged or missing gas caps, causing 147 million gallons of gas to vaporize every year.

Q.5 - Extra weight in the car causes an increase in gas usage.

A.5 - True. Items that are not needed weigh down the vehicle, causing an increase in gas usage and unnecessary wear and tear on the car. Get the stuff out of the car and trunk but remember to keep important emergency items, such as a spare tire, flares and a first-aid kit.

In addition, air filters can become clogged with dirt, dust or bugs, which choke off the air and create a "rich" mixture that wastes gas and causes the engine to lose power. Replacing a clogged air filter can improve gas mileage by as much as 10 percent. The air filter should be inspected at each oil change.

The Car Care Council is the source of information for the "Be Car Care Aware" consumer education campaign promoting the benefits of regular vehicle care, maintenance and repair to consumers.