AutoZone Gives Drivers Keys to Keeping Cars Running Better, Longer
During National Car Care Month, AutoZone Offers Drivers Simple, Money-Saving Tips for Improving Gas Mileage
MEMPHIS, Tenn., April 14 -- April is National Car Care Month, a time dedicated to ensuring that American drivers maintain their vehicles. Recognizing that American drivers want more information to help them perform maintenance and save money, AutoZone , the leading auto parts and supplies retailer, is recommending a series of simple tips for improving gas mileage and maximizing performance.
"Every driver would like to get better gas mileage," said Lisa Kranc, Senior Vice President of Marketing. "But it is particularly important in uncertain times like these when we have seen gas prices rise dramatically."
Some steps for better fuel efficiency are:
1. Follow a Service Interval Schedule. Routine maintenance at regular
intervals is the key to saving fuel and keeping your car running at
its best. This includes routine maintenance such as changing your oil
every 3,000 miles, checking the fluids in your engine, replacing belts
and filters, and more. Detailed Service Interval Schedules from the
Car Care Council are available at neighborhood AutoZone stores or
online at www.AutoZone.com .
2. Make sure your air, oil and fuel filters are clean. Filters should be
checked and changed regularly. Clogged filters and dirty oil can
reduce both performance and mileage.
3. Properly inflate your tires. Use a tire gauge to check inflation
frequently, and keep your tires at the level recommended by vehicle
manufacturers. Under-inflated tires drag down gas mileage. In fact,
the Department of Energy estimates that, nationwide, four million
gallons of gas are wasted every day for every pound per square inch
that Americans underinflate their tires.
4. Assess your driving habits.
a. Combine your errands and plan ahead. If your errands can be done
at one time instead of multiple trips, you'll save gas. Also, know
your route -- does the place you're going to have another location
near another one of your destinations?
b. Driving the speed limit can save money! Maintaining the speed
limit and not driving fast will help you conserve gas and extend
your gas mileage. Driving 55 mph versus 65 mph can increase your
gas mileage by 10 - 20%.
c. Don't leave your car running. If you are going inside for a quick
stop or to drop something off, turn off your car. You'll conserve
gas.
5. Pack light! Extra weight reduces gas mileage. Every 200 pounds you
add to the weight of your vehicle means one mile per gallon less in
fuel efficiency. So, empty that trunk and save.
6. Accelerate and brake smoothly. Not only will this ensure a more
pleasant ride, it will reduce your engine's demand for fuel.
"These are basic steps that any driver can take without changing his or her lifestyle," Kranc said. "AutoZone is committed to providing car and truck owners with simple information that can make a big difference in how their vehicles perform and look," said Kranc. "We want to share our expertise so that everyone can benefit."
As part of an ongoing education initiative for drivers, and in support of the Car Care Council's "Be Car Care Aware" consumer education effort, AutoZone offers tips on various topics in-store or online at www.AutoZone.com .
The "Be Car Care Aware" effort is a consumer education campaign about the benefits of regular vehicle care, maintenance and repair. The program is spearheaded by the Car Care Council who is committed to educating consumers about auto care, maintenance and repair.
About AutoZone:
As of February 15, 2003, AutoZone sells auto and light truck parts, chemicals and accessories through 3,122 AutoZone stores in 44 states plus the District of Columbia in the U.S. and 41 AutoZone stores in Mexico and also sells the ALLDATA brand automotive diagnostic and repair software. On the web, AutoZone sells diagnostic and repair information through www.alldatadiy.com and auto and light truck parts through www.autozone.com .
