- Radial tires can cut 3-4% of your fuel bill.

- If you own a pick-up truck, remove your tailgate (or put it down) for any highway driving. The tailgate acts like a drag chute giving you very poor fuel economy as much as a 15% loss). If you don't want to remove your tailgate; you can use a soft net-type gate or get a bed cover to almost eliminate the drag chute affect.

- Expect up to 10% drop in fuel economy in heavy rains, and 1-2% for every 10 degree Fahrenheit drop in temperature.

- Fuel consumption is heavy in the first 20 minutes after start-up, especially in winter months, because the car hasn't fully warmed up to its efficient temperature. To reduce this effect, use a block heater. Purchase one with a timer so it comes on 2-3 hours before you have to start the car. A warmer engine means easier starting and better fuel economy. This also reduces pollution to our environment since the car's emissions are much higher before it warms up.

- Avoid driving with an open sunroof or windows at highway speeds. It increases aerodynamic drag and wastes fuel (up to 8%). Use the vehicle's flow-through ventilation to provide fresh air for passengers.

- If you are going to be stopped for more than 60 seconds with the engine idling, shut it off. It takes more fuel to idle over 60 seconds than it does to start the car.

- Make sure your front wheels are aligned properly. A misaligned front end increases fuel consumption.

- Keep filters and catalytic converters clean. Dirty filters increase fuel consumption as much as 10% and studies have shown that 33% of all vehicles on the road are in need of a new air filter.

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