Tips for Saving Money on Gas - by AutoTrader.com

    ATLANTA--April 24, 2001--Yesterday's Tosco refinery fire in Carson, California, was just the latest in a series of economic events that's expected to cause gas prices to skyrocket--the average price per gallon of regular gas in the San Francisco area is now a whopping $2.04.
    Nationwide, gas prices are up 13 cents to $1.67--just 4 cents shy of last summer's all-time high. With the summer driving season just a month away, major oil companies are reporting huge fourth-quarter profits and prices are not expected to go down any time soon.
    AutoTrader.com, the leading Internet automotive classifieds destination and marketplace in the United States, offers these tips to help Californians keep their wallets from being drained at the pump:

	   --  Steady driving. By accelerating gradually and driving
        smoothly, a 20% gain in fuel economy could be achieved.
	   --  Keep tires in proper condition. Inflating tires to the maximum
        recommended pressure can improve gas mileage by as much as 6%;
        regular wheel alignments improve fuel economy nearly 10%.
	   --  Unload. Remove unnecessary items from the trunk and the
        vehicle--they add weight and decrease gas mileage. Every
        200 pounds of unnecessary weight reduces mileage by one mile
        per gallon.
	   --  Be aware of weather and road conditions. Driving into a 20-mph
        headwind reduces fuel economy by as much as 6%. Driving up a
        mountain road with a 7% grade cuts fuel economy by 20% or
        more. Driving on gravel and in snow requires more fuel, as
        well.
	   --  Use A/C only when necessary. Roll down windows and open air
        vents as often as possible.
	   --  Bring the car to controlled stops. Anticipate stops to avoid
        sudden braking; take a long view of the road ahead and coast
        toward an intersection when traffic is stopped.
	   --  Don't speed. A car moving at 55 mph gets 15% better fuel
        economy than a car going 65 mph. Use a vehicle's navigation
        system, if available, when traveling in unfamiliar territory.
        This can prevent getting lost and thus wasting gas.
	   --  Service vehicle regularly. Keeping a vehicle well maintained
        keeps it operating efficiently and reduces fuel usage. Replace
        air filters and fuel filters regularly. A new oxygen sensor
        alone can improve gas mileage by as much as 15%.
	   --  Carpool. If vacation plans include large gatherings like
        family reunions, consider carpooling. Renting a multi-seat van
        also aids in maximizing fuel savings.
	   --  Plan ahead. Don't stop fuel conservation efforts upon arriving
        to the destination. Combine errands into one trip rather than
        taking multiple trips from your hotel or campsite. Organize
        stops so they're near each other and reduce retracing the same
        path. Also, plan trips so as to avoid congested times of day.
        Less traffic makes for smoother driving conditions.
	   --  Drive smart. Don't be idle too long. Don't waste fuel by
        sitting in drive-thru lanes--park and go inside. Also, don't
        let vehicles idle while waiting for someone. Idling uses more
        fuel than turning the engine off and back on again.
	   --  Choose an inexpensive, nearby vacation spot. Save that trip to
        Hawaii for next year after the economy has (hopefully) settled
        down a bit. Instead, take a weeklong trip to a state park or a
        theme park. Go camping and experience the great outdoors--and
        drive there rather than fly. Rising gas prices for your car
        usually also mean higher airfare tickets.

    For more information or to schedule an interview with an AutoTrader.com executive, please contact David Cumpston at 415-844-6237 or email dcumpston@accesspr.com.
    Source: American Automobile Association, the Environmental Protection Agency and the National Automobile Dealers Association.