With gas prices soaring, drivers everywhere are feeling the pinch at the pump. Let's face it -- your gas dollars aren't going nearly as far as they used to. However, there are a number of things you can do to help improve your car's fuel efficiency. Consider these six tips from the car care experts at 3M to maximize your car's performance.

  -- Check your tire pressure. Improperly inflated tires can greatly reduce
     your fuel economy, so make sure your tires are inflated to the
     manufacturer's recommended pressure level. The right tire pressure will
     provide you with a safer ride and help reduce wear on the tires.
  -- Maintain your vehicle. Replacing a dirty, clogged air filter will go a
     long way in improving your car's fuel efficiency. According to the
     federal government, your 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 your engine as well.
  -- Clean your fuel system. Carbon and resin-buildup in your car's fuel
     system stifles your engine's ability to breathe and reduces fuel
     efficiency. Flush out your fuel system, including the fuel injector,
     intake valve and combustion chamber with a specialized tank additive,
     such as 3M(TM) Fuel System Cleaner. Better yet, have your fuel system
     professionally cleaned by shops that use the complete 3M Fuel Injector
     Cleaning System. By keeping your fuel system clean, you'll improve your
     vehicle's fuel economy.
  -- Take it easy and slow down. Driving your car at high speed,
     "jack-rabbit 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 your next refill.
  -- Remove excessive weight. Remove any unnecessary objects in your
     vehicle, especially heavy items. An extra 100 pounds in your vehicle
     could reduce fuel efficiency by as much as two percent. Lighten up and
     your mileage will go up!
  -- Use your air conditioning sparingly. Don't just run your air
     conditioner out of habit in the summer. If it's not too hot out, try
     using the fan setting alone. This will help you get more miles to the
     gallon.

These tips will not only help you improve your car's performance and save money, but will help you save time as well, because you won't be running to the gas station to fill-up quite as often as before!

Source: 3M