AUDIO from Medialink: Gas Conservation

--As the summer driving season gets underway, a top concern for most of us is how to get more for less. More miles for less gasoline, that is. Doug Brauner, "The Car Czar," says we can all take some simple steps to improve the fuel efficiency of our cars and trucks.

Listen to this report at: http://media.medialink.com/WebNR.aspx?story=32084

Among his suggestions:

-- Be aware that gas mileage usually decreases rapidly at speeds over 60 mph. A good rule of thumb: Assume that for each 5 mph you drive over 60 is like paying an additional $.20 per gallon for gas.

-- If your vehicle has cruise control -- use it whenever you can. It helps you maintain a constant speed and, in most cases, will save gas.

-- Engine performance and gas mileage can be affected by the weight of the motor oil you use in the engine. Check the owner's manual or ask your mechanic what oil weight is best for optimal summer driving.

-- Additional weight in the vehicle, such as in the trunk, back seat or on the roof rack will impact fuel economy because it makes the engine work harder. Remove unnecessary items to improve gas mileage.

-- Run the air conditioning instead of rolling down the windows. It may sound strange, but recent tests show that, at higher speeds, the "drag" created by having your windows down actually creates more gas consumption than that which is necessary to run the AC. And you'll be a lot cooler, too.

-- Manual transmissions can improve gas mileage by as much as 15% and smaller engines with fewer cylinders can help, too. Online sites like AutoTrader.com allow you to specifically search for the exact type of vehicle that meets your needs.

And a final note: Consider buying a locking gas cap! Automotive parts stores are reporting an increase in sales of keyed gas caps, often because the buyers have fallen victim to a thief who siphoned away their car's gasoline.

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