Gas prices force changes

www.kinston.com Story ran : 03/02/2003 By Sandy Wall Staff Writer

With the price of regular gasoline hitting $1.60 per gallon and higher, most Eastern North Carolina motorists are looking for easy ways to conserve the near-precious commodity.

Mechanics and automobile experts say the best ways to save gasoline is to follow the maintenance schedule in your vehicle's owner's manual, to keep your car's engine in good shape and to drive sensibly.

Following that simple advice can save up to four or five miles per gallons, mechanics say. But failing to follow those tips can cost money - both in wasted gasoline now and in more expensive repairs later.

"People just need to do the routine maintenance on their vehicles. That's the bottom line," said Kinston mechanic Jim Snader.

Uncertainty about a possible war with Iraq coupled with political strife in oil-rich Venezuela have caused a spike in the price of motor vehicle fuels in recent weeks.

Some in Lenoir County have resorted to extreme means to keep gas in their cars. According to law enforcement reports, Kinston police responded to at least six reports late last week of motorists driving away from gas stations without paying for fuel.

Mechanics say there are far less drastic things motorists can do to save fuel and money. A tune-up is a good start.

The first thing to look for? Make sure your car's spark plugs are functioning properly.

"If you got one that's missing on one or two cylinders, you're losing up to four or five miles per gallon," said John Mewborn, owner of Plaza Exxon in Kinston.

Most of today's automobile engines rely on computers to determine how the correct mix of fuel and air. The computer in turn rely on information gathered from various sensors.

If those sensors become clogged with carbon residue or are not functioning correctly, the computer can cause the engine to brun too much gas, mechanics say.

"If they're not working properly, it'll tell the engine to put in too much fuel," Mewborn said.

Tuning up an engine is a usually a sure way to improve your car's gas mileage.

But the days of simply replacing the plugs and points and setting the timing are over, said Greg Williamson, general manager of the Firestone Tire and Service Center in Kinston.

" Tune-up doesn't have the same meaning it did 25 years ago," he said.

Mechanics say today's tune-ups can be complex affairs, with computer diagnostics and high-priced emissions-control equipment to look after.

Full-service tune-ups and other repairs such as the replacement of oxygen sensors can cost upwards of $250 to $300, mechanics say.

But there are also some low-cost fixes you can try, such as replacing your car's air filter.

Williamson said it's important not to forget your car's tires. Properly inflating your tires and ensuring they have good tread can improve gas mileage, he said.

Driving sensibly is also a good way to increase your car's gas mileage. Automobile experts say you can improve your gas mileage about 15 percent by driving at 55 mph rather than 65 mph.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has other tips drivers can use to save gas.

They include:

• Go easy on the brakes and gas pedal. Avoid quick starts by accelerating gradually whenever possible. Also, anticipate stops to avoid sudden braking.

• Avoid long idles. Turn off the engine if you anticipate a lengthy wait. Instead of idling at a drive-up window, park the car and go in. Idling burns more gas than restarting the engine. Limit car warmups in winter.

• Avoid carrying unneeded items in the trunk. Extra weight decreases gas mileage. Also, reduce drag by placing items inside the car or trunk rather than on roof racks.

• When warm weather arrives, use your air conditioning only when necessary.

Roll down the windows or open the air vents to keep your car comfortable on not-so-hot days.

Sandy Wall can be reached at (252) 527-3191, Ext. 251, or Sandy_Wall@link.freedom.com.