Racer Bobby Hamilton Teams With AutoVantage
NORWALK, Conn., July 20 -- Despite historic high gas prices, Americans will be traveling in record numbers this year -- but many people are seeking cost savings to avoid parking their cars and curbing their family vacations.
"It doesn't take an expert to save money at the pump," said Bobby Hamilton, racing legend and AutoVantage spokesman. "There are a few precautions you can take before and after you hit the road that will save you money in the long run. Whatever your summer plans are, don't let high gas prices keep you idle. My busy race schedule doesn't allow much time for vacations, so I know how important they are."
The latest Lundberg Survey reports the national average for gas has reached $2.33 a gallon, a new record.
"You shouldn't cancel your summer vacation because of high gas prices," said Brad Eggleston, vice president of AutoVantage. "A service like AutoVantage can help save money at the pump and get you to your destination quicker and easier."
So before you pull in to the pump, be your own Crew Chief. Follow these basic guidelines to have a little extra money in your pocket when you hit the road.
1. Tires Tie In to Gas Savings: You can save money at the pump simply by
checking the air pressure in your tires regularly. The U.S. Department
of Energy reports one pound of underinflation costs consumers two to
three miles of gas per gallon. That wastes four million gallons of gas
per day nationwide. Take time out of your busy schedule at least once
a month to make sure your tire pressure matches the manufacturer's
recommended amount found in your owner's manual.
2. Tune in to Tune Ups: Keeping your engine properly tuned can save you
big bucks. The U.S. Department of Energy says fixing a car that's
noticeably out of tune can improve gas mileage by 4 percent. And, if
your vehicle has a faulty oxygen sensor, replacing it can improve your
mileage by as much as 40 percent.
3. Healthy Air filters: You should check and replace air filters
regularly. Replacing a clogged air filter can improve your car's gas
mileage by as much as 10 percent. Air filters keep impurities from
damaging the inside of your engine. Not only will replacing them save
gas, it will also protect your engine.
4. Get the Pedal off the Metal: Fifty-five not only saves lives, it saves
gas. Government figures show gas mileage decreases rapidly at speeds
above 60 mph. Each 5 mph you drive over 60 mph is like paying an
additional $0.15 per gallon for gas.
5. Drive Sensibly: If you drive aggressively, by accelerating and braking
abruptly, you're wasting fuel. By driving a little more sensibly,
avoiding jackrabbit starts and stops, you can save yourself money by
increasing gas mileage by up to 33 percent at highway speeds and by 5
percent around town.
6. Cruisin' to Savings: Use cruise control whenever possible. Drivers all
too often waste gas on quick accelerations. Each time your foot
presses the accelerator, your car expends more energy. And every time
you brake for the car ahead, this energy is lost. Consistent speed
means consistent fuel performance.
7. Take a Load Off: The less weight your car has to carry, the less work
your engine has to perform. A fuel-savvy driver will never be caught
with a loaded roof rack and an empty trunk. A roof rack, at highway
speeds, creates more wind resistance. As a result, your car thirsts
for more fuel.
8. Beat the Heat: Buy gasoline when it's cooler outside, like early
morning or later at night. That's because gas is denser in cool
temperatures, and gas pumps measure by volume. You'll get more bang
for your buck.
9. Plan Ahead: Cars hate gridlock as much as we do. Avoid congested areas
in order to keep your car from idling. Also, think before you rush out
the door and consolidate your errands. You can use up to twice as much
fuel by starting and restarting during several short trips.
10. Shop Around: If you're cruising in a gas guzzler, consider making a
change. A different set of wheels could save you big bucks. Listen to
this: the difference between a car that gets 20 miles per gallon and
one that gets 30 amounts to about $550 per year, according to the U.S.
Department of Energy (if you drive 15,000 miles a year and pay $2.20 a
gallon for gas). After four years, your savings rack up to $2,200.
I'll take that kind of savings any day.
Bobby Hamilton, a spokesman for AutoVantage, is the current NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Champion after achieving four career NASCAR Winston Cup Series victories. He founded Bobby Hamilton Racing, which owns and operates three trucks in the NASCAR circuit.
About AutoVantage
Membership in AutoVantage (http://www.autovantage.com/ or 1-800-876-7787) begins with a month-long trial that costs $1 and can be canceled anytime during the trial period. Unless you call toll free (1-800-876-7787) to cancel during your $1 trial period, your privileges will automatically continue for an additional 11 months at the $99.99 annual membership fee, and will renew upon expiration at the then-current year's fee and be automatically billed to the credit card you provide without your having to do anything further. Your satisfaction is important. You can call toll free to cancel at any time for a refund of the unused portion of your then-current year's fee, no matter how much money you've saved. Trilegiant Corporation, (http://www.trilegiant.com/) a leader in the membership services and loyalty businesses, offers AutoVantage. With Progeny Marketing Innovations, Trilegiant is now part of the Cendant Marketing Group.
About Cendant Marketing Group
The Cendant Marketing Group is a global leader in the membership, insurance and loyalty marketing businesses, delivering products and services that touch the lives of millions worldwide. The group is part of the Cendant Marketing Services Division, which includes Trilegiant, Progeny Marketing Innovations, Trilegiant Loyalty Solutions and Cendant International Marketing Services (Cims), and designs, develops and implements strategies and programs serving more than 100 million consumers around the world.
