Recommendations for reducing gasoline consumption

DETROIT (AP) — Recommendations for reducing gasoline consumption now that fuel prices, and cars themselves, are sky-high:

— Make sure the tyres have the indicated pressure. If they do not have enough air, more resistance to the pavement is generated and more gasoline is consumed. Regularly check the air pressure. “Overall, gasoline consumption increases by 5% to 10% if the tires don't have the right pressure,” said David Bennett, manager of AAA's repair systems unit. But don't inflate them more than you need. That can cause tires to wear out more quickly.

— Maintain your vehicle. Follow manufacturers' recommendations for oil changes and other fluids and filters. Replacing spark plugs can also help.

— Maintain proper speed. In most vehicles, the car consumes less gas at 80 kilometers (50 miles) per hour. As speed increases, that consumption rises.

— Plan your route beforehand. Avoid taking the wrong path and lengthening the journey. Try to combine several departures into one trip. And avoid peak hours, which lengthen the trip and generate more stops, which consumes more gas.

— Do not keep the engine running if it is stopped. It consumes much more gasoline than if you turn it off and on again when you are ready to resume your journey. If you are going to stop for more than a minute, turn off the engine. Many new vehicles do this automatically, even at traffic lights. Bennett recommends that this mechanism not be disabled if a car has it.

— Try to avoid stopping completely if possible. For example, slow down when approaching a traffic light to see if you can avoid stopping. Every time the vehicle stops, it consumes more gasoline when it resumes its drive.