Techs can offer customers these tips to save at the pump

Gas prices are going in one direction, and NAPA’s Technician of the Year has offered some tips you can share with your shop customers to save money at the pump.

“Most people focus only on the price of gas but there are some low cost parts that consumers can replace on their own, or have an automotive technician replace, that can save them substantially,” says Bob Arlotta, NAPA Technician of the Year.

While it may be tough to think about spending more money on your vehicle, focusing on these five areas can help improve your fuel mileage and save money in the long run. You can share these suggestions, reasons and potential savings with people whne they come to your shop.

• Air Filters - An air filter clogged with dirt, dust or bugs chokes off the air and creates a "rich" mixture - too much gas being burned for the amount of air - which wastes gas and causes the engine to lose power. Potential savings: up to 33 cents a gallon or 10 percent a gallon.

• Oxygen Sensors - Oxygen sensorsthat are properly functioning are good for the environment and can save hundreds of dollars in fuel costs over the life of the sensor. Replacement intervals for oxygen sensors are similar to those for spark plugs, ranging from 30,000 miles to 100,000 miles, depending upon the type of sensor. Potential savings: up to $1.33 a gallon or 40 percent a gallon.

• Properly Inflated Tires - When tires aren’t inflated properly, it’s like driving with the parking brake on. Under-inflated tires can cut fuel economy by two percent per pound, which means if your tire pressure is 27 pounds per square inch (psi) when it should be 32 psi, you’ve reduced your gas mileage by 10 percent! A simple tire gauge can quickly tell you if you’re wasting gas because of under-inflated tires. Potential savings: up to 10 cents a gallon or 3 percent a gallon.

• Oil and Filter Change - Clean oil reduces friction between moving parts in your engine, increasing fuel economy and reliability. It also removes harmful deposits, extending the life of your engine. You should check your vehicle’s owner’s manual for the recommended oil and filter change schedule. Potential savings: up to 7 cents a gallon or 2 percent a gallon.

• Locking Gas Caps - Locking gas capscan contribute to fuel economy by preventing theft. Gas caps are available that include a dual breakaway feature and reinforcing ring that help deter thieves trying to steal fuel. If someone tries to pry off the cap, the top of the cap will break away, leaving the cap neck in the tank. This will deter even the most determined thieves who are unlikely to take the time needed to pry the neck from the tank. Caps are also available that lock into the neck automatically, which save motorists time. Potential savings: Varies.

Savings figures were formed using the average gas price for the U.S. on April 7, ($3.33) as reported by the U.S. Energy Information Association and savings figures reported by the U.S. Department of Energy, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy as well as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

“Recognizing that gas prices most likely won’t be coming down for a while, it’s important to realize the money consumers can save by investing a small amount in the maintenance of their vehicle,” says Arlotta. “For a small investment now, consumers can ensure they’re getting more out of the gas mileage, potentially adding up to substantial savings in the long run.”

For more information, visit NAPAonline.com or NAPAAutoCare.com.