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Improve Your Vehicle's Gas Mileage

14 March 2000

Improve Your Vehicle's Gas Mileage, SEMA Recommends High Prices at the Pump Reinforce Need to Improve Fuel Efficiency

    DIAMOND BAR, Calif., March 14 Improving gas mileage can be
done at any stage in the life of a car, say automotive experts at the
Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA).
    This should be welcome news at a time when gasoline prices are at their
highest levels in years and expected to go as much as 20 cents per gallon
higher in the coming months.  This week, the average price of a gallon of gas
nationwide was $1.56, a 49 percent increase over the same period last year,
according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
    SEMA, whose members have been helping people make the most of their
vehicles for nearly 40 years, suggests drivers invest a few dollars now to
save money at the pump-and enjoy their vehicles more.
    "It's easy to improve a vehicles' fuel economy and get improved
performance at the same time," said Chris Horn, SEMA's vice president for
consumer affairs.  "Simple changes, like swapping on a high-performance air
filter and changing to a less restrictive muffler or exhaust system, help an
engine breathe easier, so it produces more power and is more efficient.
Improving a vehicle's ignition system also can make the engine more efficient,
so it needs less fuel and performs better."
    Good engine and tire maintenance are also powerful contributors to better
gas mileage, Horn said.  The Federal Trade Commission estimates consumers can
save several hundred dollars a year on gas just by keeping the vehicle's
engine tuned and tires inflated to the proper pressure.
    "Pickup truck owners can reap some of the biggest benefits in terms of
improved gas mileage," said Horn.  Air traveling into a pickup's bed runs
smack into the tailgate, creating serious resistance.  Some people drive
around with the tailgate down, but this reduces a truck's utility.  A better
solution is to replace the tailgate with a specially designed net.  Another
option is to top off the bed with a truck cap or tonneau cover that will
improve aerodynamics substantially and provide more secure storage space, he
said.
    "Clearly, there are a number of enhancements you can make to your car or
truck that will improve the aerodynamics and engine performance," Horn said.
"But don't forget the contribution of good maintenance and personal driving
habits."
    Driving at a consistent speed is one way to improve gas mileage, so it
makes sense to use cruise control.  If you don't have it, it is simple to get
cruise control installed, SEMA experts recommend.
    "Tires are another major contributor to fuel efficiency," added Horn.
"Studies have shown that it's not uncommon for vehicles to have 6 percent
increased fuel consumption due to under-inflated tires.  Maintaining proper
tire pressure can get you up to 20 more miles from a tank of gas."
    "Under-inflated tires also wear more quickly so it's worthwhile to keep a
tire gauge handy and use it," said Horn.  "If you're not mechanically
inclined, consider permanently stem-mounted gauges so you can tell at a glance
if your tires are low."
    He said an even better investment is to install "a tire monitoring system
that will let you know when your tires need air-and when you're at risk of
having a blowout.  In addition, swapping to one of the newer tire designs on
the market can improve fuel efficiency."

    SEMA is a trade group composed of more than 3,900 member companies that
make up the specialty automotive aftermarket industry, generating more than
$21 billion in annual sales.  The seven diverse niches in which SEMA members
specialize include light-truck, off-road, racing and performance, street rod
and restoration, and restyling.
    To learn more about how to improve your vehicle's performance, utility and
style, visit the SEMA website at http://www.enjoythedrive.com or write SEMA Consumer
Affairs at 1575 South Valley Vista Drive, Diamond Bar, CA 91765.