The price of gas is getting ridiculous! Some pundits are saying that it may hit $4 a gallon soon. And there's also talk about raising the gas taxes, which won't help matters. Well, we can all sit here and complain (and I will, thank you very much), but we can also make sure we squeeze every mile out of a gallon of gas – which has the added benefit of helping our vehicles run better, longer. This may be a bigger deal than you realize. You'll see what I mean at the end of this email.

For some great tips on fuel conservation, let’s check in at the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (the group that certifies our fine Gatto’s master mechanics) and see what they have to say. We only have room for bullet points here, but you can read the entire article here.

Vehicle Maintenance
• Monitor your tires: under-inflated tires or poorly aligned wheels waste fuel by forcing the engine to work harder.
• Pay attention to your engine – misfiring spark plugs, dirty filters or a clogged fuel injector can pick your pocket at the pump.
• Follow service schedules listed in your owner’s manual (Pam’s note: Gotta Go to Gatto’s).

Sensible Driving Habits
• Consolidate your daily trips and errands.
• Observe speed limits. Speeding decreases your miles per gallon.
• Remove unnecessary items from your vehicle. Less weight means better mileage.
• Use windows and air conditioner wisely. Keep your windows closed on the highway to reduce drag and try to avoid using your air conditioner in heavy, stop-and-go traffic (Pam's note: I’m sure you can find a couple of months where this will be possible).

According to the ASE, these tips will not only save gas, but could extend the life of your vehicle by 50% through regular maintenance.

I hope this information helps!

See you at Gatto’s.

Pam