3M Car Care offers easy steps to help fuel efficiency

Spring is here and the gas prices are going up faster than the flowers. Every time drivers hit the gas station, a new phenomenon hits -- pump panic. To help, 3M Car Care has a money saving prescription that will improve fuel mileage and engine performance, soothing the painful experience at the gas pump.

"Over the life of a car, poor fuel efficiency can lead to hundreds, if not thousands of dollars in added expense," said John Marmar, business manager, 3M Car Care products. "Properly maintaining the vehicle and watching your driving style are two of the best ways to maximize fuel efficiency and reduce long term expenses."

3M Car Care offers six tips to maximize your car's fuel performance.

• Check tire pressure -- Improperly inflated tires can greatly reduce fuel economy, so make sure tires are inflated to the manufacturer's recommended pressure. The correct tire pressure will also provide a safer ride and help reduce tire wear.

• Let your engine breathe -- Replacing a dirty, clogged air filter will go a long way in improving fuel efficiency. According to the federal government, a car's gas mileage could improve by as much as 10 percent with a clean air filter. In addition to the fuel savings, the new filter will help protect the engine.

• Keep the fuel system clean -- Carbon and resin buildup in a car's fuel system reduces fuel efficiency. Flush out the fuel system, including the fuel injector, intake valve and combustion chamber with a specialized tank additive, such as Complete Fuel System Cleaner from 3M. You can also clean the entire fuel system with the new 3M DIY Fuel System Tune Up Kit. With just one tool and 45 minutes, it cleans the engine, fuel injectors, intake manifold, intake valves, combustion chambers and throttle plate with the same trusted 3M products used by automotive professionals. Keeping the fuel system clean helps maximize the engine's performance and extend the life of the engine.

• Take it easy and slow down -- Driving a car at a high speed, "jackrabbit starts" and aggressive driving in traffic can greatly reduce fuel efficiency. The U.S. Department of Energy says, "As a rule of thumb, you can assume that each 5 mph you drive over 60 mph is like paying an additional $0.20 per gallon for gas." And every time you "hit the gas" you get closer to the next refill.

• Remove excess weight -- Remove any unnecessary, heavy objects in the vehicle. An extra 100 pounds can reduce fuel efficiency by as much as two percent.

• Use air conditioning sparingly -- Don't just run the air conditioner out of habit as the weather cools off. If it's not too hot out, try using the fan setting alone or put down the windows and enjoy the spring sunshine. This helps get more miles per gallon.

The 3M Car Care product line can be found at leading automotive aftermarket retailers and online through select distributors. For more car care tips or information on 3M Car Care products, click here.