MEMPHIS, Tenn., Mar 4, 2002 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- In today's
challenging economy, people are always looking for easy ways to save money. And
for most people, a great opportunity to save money is sitting right in their
driveway. That's right- it's their car.
A vehicle is one of the largest investments people make, and there are some easy
things that you can do to protect that investment and reduce operating costs.
AutoZone, the leading automotive retailer in the country, offers these simple
tips to help vehicle owners save money:
* Check your tires. Keep your tires properly inflated, and check them
frequently. A properly inflated tire uses less fuel, lasts longer and
is safer. A tire gauge is inexpensive and easy to use, and should be
in every vehicle's glove box.
* Make sure the air and fuel filters are clean. Filters are designed to
be disposable; they protect your engine by removing harmful
contaminants, but need to be replaced regularly to do their job.
Dirty filters cut down engine performance and mileage, and can cause
severe drivability problems.
* Keep your engine in tune. Just because your engine runs doesn't mean
it is running at its best. Replacing spark plugs, ignition wires and
emissions components can save money in the long run. The oxygen
sensor, in particular, is critical to keeping your vehicle running
well, and is one of the most neglected components on a modern vehicle.
Most manufacturers recommend that the oxygen sensor be replaced every
30,000 to 50,000 miles.
* Don't use premium fuel if your car does not require it; your owner's
manual will make it clear what fuel your vehicle needs. For most
vehicles, using premium fuel is an unnecessary expense.
* Don't idle your engine for long periods of time. Turn off your engine
when you get out of your car or have to wait for a long time. The US
Department of Energy estimates that for 145 million passenger vehicles
idling five minutes per day, approximately four million gallons of
gasoline are consumed without going anywhere.
* Empty the trunk! Extra clothes, overdue library books, tools and the
bundles of newspaper that you have been meaning to take to the recycler
all weigh down your car unnecessarily. Each 100 pounds of needless
weight will cost you up to one-half mile per gallon.
* Get to know your owner's manual. Your manual is a great source for
maintenance intervals and vehicle specific information that can help
you keep your car running at its best.
AutoZone, founded in 1979, is the nation's leading retailer of automotive and
light truck parts, chemicals and accessories. Headquartered in Memphis,
Tennessee, AutoZone sells parts to do-it-yourself and professional mechanics
through over 3,000 AutoZone stores nationwide in the U.S. and 23 AutoZone stores
in Mexico. AutoZone also sells automotive diagnostic and repair software through
ALLDATA, diagnostic and repair information through alldatadiy.com, and auto and
light truck parts through AutoZone.com. AutoZone stock is traded on the New York
Stock Exchange and is included in the Standard & Poors 500 Index.
SOURCE AutoZone
CONTACT: Ray Pohlman of AutoZone, +1-901-495-7962