- 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.

- A V-8 engine averages 17.5% greater fuel consumption than a V-6 (that could amount to as much as $500 per year in fuel savings). A four-speed automatic gives you 5% better fuel economy than a three-speed automatic transmission. Consider this when buying a car.

- Also, when buying a car, it is good to find out if it has a lock-up device in the torque converter. If it doesn't, it means there is probably always slippage, which can increase fuel consumption by 6%. The lock up reduces this slippage and saves wasted energy.

next