Driver tips

Take your time — By driving 65 mph instead of 70 mph, you’ll save gas. It may take a little longer to get to your destination, but each extra hour you spend driving because of a reduction in speed can save you $5. Owners of larger trucks and SUVs may save as much as $10 for each extra hour they drive.

Don’t get that overloaded feeling — Avoid carrying unneeded items, especially heavy ones. An extra 100 pounds in the trunk reduces a typical vehicle’s fuel economy by 1 percent to 2 percent.

No burnouts, please — Accelerate evenly from a standstill. Avoid rapid acceleration, over-revving your engine and transmission downshifting. Rapid acceleration can cost up to 12 miles per gallon.

Money-saving maintenance that’s music to your ears

By following the tips below, the EPA estimates you could improve your fuel economy and save up to $690.56 in one year, based on a 16-gallon fuel tank that is re-filled once a week.

• Regular tune-ups / emissions tests: up to 60 cents per gallon
• Replacing air filters regularly: up to 15 cents per gallon
• Properly-inflated tires: up to 5 cents per gallon
• Using recommended oil grade: up to 3 cents per gallon

Total potential savings: up to 83 cents per gallon

The $690.56 saved is enough money to buy an XM Satellite Radio subscription for five years or a 40GB MP3 player with car adapter and battery charger — and still have money left over.

Other GM Goodwrench Maintenance Tips

GM Goodwrench encourages consumers to visit their local dealership for an inspection to ensure that their vehicle is up to date on its maintenance needs. (CONTINUE...)