Save Money On Gas Even With High Fuel Prices

• Keep your tires properly inflated.

• Keep your car properly maintained. A tune-up can increase power and fuel efficiency.

• Don't waste gas idling. When you're just sitting there you're getting 0 miles per gallon.

• Avoid Jack Rabbit starts and stay within the speed limit.

Did you know...

• The industry standard for changing your motor oil is every 3,000 miles or 3 months for most vehicles. This standard hasn't changed for over 30 years. Check your owners manual for your specific schedule. Many new vehicles can run much longer than 3,000 miles without an oil change. IF you don't have an oil schedule in your owners manual then stick with the industry standard of 3,000 miles.

• Synthetic motor oil is 2-4 times more expensive than conventional oil but it helps improve fuel economy and restore engine power. It's up to you to determine if the additional cost is worth it. Unless your car comes with synthetic oil from the factory, conventional oil changed at the proper intervals is fine and it will help keep your engine in great shape.

• If you only drive a short distance your motor oil doesn't get a chance to properly warm up. Regardless of the mileage it should be changed every 3 months.

• If you don't use the proper motor oil you could void your warranty.

Motor Oil Tips

• Check the oil when the engine is warm. Oil expands when it's hot and contracts when it's cold; different temperatures will give you different readings.

• Check your motor oil at least once a week. If the oil level is low, add some oil. Check where the car was parked for any stains indicating a leak. There are only two reasons for low oil - either the car is leaking it or burning it. Excessive burning could lead to engine failure. Have your car inspected by a mechanic if you notice blue smoke coming from the tailpipe.

• Always have your oil filter changed when the oil is changed. A clogged filter could prevent oil from properly circulating around your engine.

News Brief

• Although we announced last issue that GM lost $323 million in the 1st quarter, due to some accounting changes they actually posted a gain of over $400 million. This was GM's first quarterly profit in 6 quarters.

• The United Auto Workers has authorized a strike if bankrupt auto parts supplier Delphi gets permission from the courts to toss out its labor contracts. Delphi is GM's largest parts supplier. Although a strike is unlikely it could seriously hurt GM and many other auto manufacturers.

• Honda has announced that it will be building a new production facility in the United States as well as a new engine plant in Alliston, Ontario. This will increase North American production capacity from 1.4 million to 1.6 million units by 2008.

• The Pontiac Solstice was named the most significant vehicle of the year by edmunds.com.

• The 2006 Honda Civic Hybrid wins World Car of the Year Award for greenest car.

• The BMW V10, used in the M5/M6, has been voted "International Engine of the Year 2006" for the second consecutive year.

• 21,566 hybrids were sold in April, making it the second highest month for hybrid sales ever in the United States.

• The Bush administration has asked Congress to change fuel economy standards for cars. Changes won't be implemented until 2008 at the earliest.

• Nissan will introduce a hybrid version of the Altima in 2007. It will be based on the 2.5L 4-cylinder engine.

• Honda has announced that 2006 will be the last year for the Insight. A replacement will be introduced in 2009.

• GM has cancelled production of the Hummer H1.

• All new Car Care Section including information on the following:
  
  
  • Do it yourself oil change tips
    
    
  • Tips on how to keep your transmission in great shape
    
    
  • Information on how to protect your cars paint finish
  
  
  
• Compare hybrid vehicles to non-hybrid models
  
  
• 5 myths about hybrid cars