(NAPSI)—Caring for your car can put you on the road to savings. In fact, a savvy consumer can save hundreds of dollars a year on automotive expenses without buying a new car or changing his or her lifestyle. All it takes is a little time and research, and the good sense to choose better-performing products.

Here are some easy ways to save money and have your current car last longer:

Spend More to Save More

Upgrading to one of today’s modern high-performance motor oils can make a meaningful improvement to your car’s fuel economy and engine life. For instance, independent studies have documented that Royal Purple motor oil improves fuel economy by as much as 5 percent and can significantly reduce engine wear.

Using high-performance synthetic motor oil, as opposed to conventional oils, also allows for more miles between oil changes, reducing maintenance costs and the amount of time spent out of service. You’ll pay a little more for premium motor oil, but the savings in fuel and reduced maintenance costs more than make up for the higher price. Find out more at www.royalpurple.com.

Shop for the Best Rate

One of the easiest ways to reduce the costs associated with your car is to shop around for insurance. Prices vary from company to company, so it pays to do your homework. Get at least three price quotes. You can call companies directly or access information on the Internet. Your state’s insurance regulator may also provide price comparisons.

Other ways to reduce insurance costs can be found by visiting the Insurance Information Institute’s website at www2.iii.org/individuals/autoinsurance/.

Properly Inflate

The U.S. Department of Energy reports that underinflated tires can increase fuel consumption by up to 3 percent. One study estimates that 50−80 percent of the tires traveling on U.S. roads are underinflated. Surprisingly, car owners could save up to 2 billion gallons of gas each year by properly inflating their tires.

Keep it Clean

A clogged air filter can increase fuel consumption by as much as 10 percent. Air filters keep impurities from damaging the interior of the engine, so replacing dirty filters will save gas and protect your engine. More tips to save money on fuel are available at www.fueleconomy.gov.

 

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