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The Biggest July Fourth Bang for Your Buck

BETHESDA, Md., July 2 -- Be grateful that your family car doesn't run on charcoal starter fluid this Fourth of July weekend. Compared with the cost of typical holiday items, filling up the gas tank and hitting the road is a bargain at $1.40 a gallon, according to the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA).

Charcoal Starter 32 oz. $3.89 = $15.56 per gallon Bottled Ice Tea 16 oz. $1.19 = $9.52 per gallon Mustard 6 oz. $.85 = $18.00 per gallon Bottled water 16 oz. $1.49 = $11.92 per gallon "If we all powered our cars with charcoal starter at $15.56 a gallon, most of us would see our travel plans go up in smoke." says Rich White of the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association. "But even at $1.40, conserving gas still has its merits. One of the simplest ways to save fuel is by keeping your car in tip-top shape.

"Problems in the fuel, ignition or emission control systems hamper engine performance, and that wastes gas," says White. "Keep your engine well maintained. Another tip is to keep tires properly inflated. If all four tires are under inflated by 10 psi (pounds per square inch), fuel economy suffers by as much as 10%."

Here are a few other ideas from AAIA to cut fuel costs:

* Don't buy premium gas unless your owner's manual calls for it. Under special circumstances a higher grade may be necessary, but not for the primary purpose of improving gas mileage.

* Change the oil and filter regularly. A good rule of thumb is every 3 months or every 3,000 miles.

* Drive conservatively. A "heavy foot" and excessive braking waste gas.

* Turn off your engine while at drive-through businesses or when waiting for your passenger.

"In general," says White, "a well-maintained vehicle goes hand-in-hand with fuel efficiency. And on the Fourth of July, I'd rather spend money at the fireworks stand than the gas pump."

The Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA) is a Bethesda, Md.- based association whose member companies manufacture, distribute and sell motor vehicle parts, accessories, tools, equipment, materials and supplies. The organization is comprised of manufacturers, distributors, jobbers, wholesalers, retailers, manufacturer's representatives and other companies doing business in the automotive aftermarket. AAIA formerly served the aftermarket as APAA and ASIA.