Auto Club Offers Tips on Conserving Gas and Saving Money.

Business Editors/Automotive Writers

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 27, 2003

Motorists can lower their gasoline expenses by paying attention to where and how they drive, according to the Automobile Club of Southern California.

The result could be a 25 percent reduction in fuel usage annually.

"What motorists don't realize is that they can significantly reduce fuel consumption on an annual basis and save money by making simple adjustments in their driving habits," said Steve Mazor, principal automotive engineer for the Automobile Club of Southern California.

Properly maintaining your vehicle is a critical component in reducing gas usage, according to Mazor. Underinflated tires, for example, can cut fuel economy by up to 2 percent per pound of pressure below the recommended level. Worn spark plugs and dirty air filters also increase fuel consumption.

Shopping for low gasoline prices in their local communities may save motorists money, says the Auto Club, but traveling long distances to save a few cents wastes fuel and may cost motorists more money than they save.

Basic tips to save gasoline and money include:

-- Use the most energy-conserving vehicle you own as much as possible.

-- Consolidate trips and errands to cut down on driving time and number of miles driven.

-- Find one location where you can take care of all or most of your errands. Comparison shop by phone, Internet or through newspaper advertisements to cut down on driving time.

-- Slow down. The faster you go, the more fuel you use. Remember, however, that traveling slower than the flow of traffic can cause a safety hazard.

-- Lighten the load. Don't haul extra weight in the passenger compartment or trunk. A heavier vehicle uses more fuel.

Driving style also can impact the amount of gasoline motorists use, according to the Auto Club. Tips to reduce gasoline use include:

-- Knowing the correct starting procedure for your car. Racing an

engine to warm it up wastes fuel.

-- Maintaining steady speeds. A car uses extra fuel when it

accelerates.

-- Minimizing the need to brake by anticipating traffic

conditions. Be alert for slow-downs and red lights.

-- Using the air conditioner only when necessary. Air

conditioning reduces fuel economy by about 5 percent.

The type of vehicle you buy also affects fuel use, says the Auto Club. Four-wheel drive vehicles may use more gas than other vehicles. Vehicles with automatic transmissions may use more fuel than those with manual transmissions. Smaller engines mean better gas mileage.

Some trucks, vans and SUVs come in several sizes and configurations. Models with a shorter bed, abbreviated cargo area or smaller cab are lighter and generally use less fuel.

A light exterior color and light interior cloth seats and tinted windows can reduce heat build-up, thus reducing the need for air conditioning. Cruise control may be a fuel-saving option for motorists who drive a lot on open roads because maintaining a steady speed conserves fuel.

The Automobile Club of Southern California, the largest affiliate of the AAA, has been serving members since 1900. Today, the Auto Club's members benefit by the organization's emergency road service, insurance products and services, travel agency, financial products, automotive pricing, buying and financing programs, automotive testing and analysis, trip planning services, highway and transportation safety programs and legislative advocacy.

Information about these products and services is available on the Auto Club's Web site at www.aaa-calif.com.