AAA Chicago Offers Tips to Ease the Pain of Record-High Fuel Prices

AURORA, Ill., Aug. 11, 2005 -- The price of gasoline has reached record highs locally and across the country. Crude oil prices, refinery problems and high demand all contribute to the price increase. AAA reports the average price of regular unleaded nationwide at $2.397 per gallon. In Illinois the average price is $2.485, Indiana's average is $2.426 and Chicago's average price is $2.565 per gallon.

  Following are tips from AAA that can help you save gasoline and money:

  -- Properly inflate tires. Under-inflated tires can cut fuel efficiency.
  -- Facilitate routine maintenance such as oil changes and fluid checks.
  -- Clean air and fuel filters. Dirty filters increase fuel consumption.
  -- Maintain a steady speed. Quick starts and sudden stops waste fuel.
  -- Use the air conditioner conservatively. Utilize your vehicle's
     "economy" or "recirculation" setting, which reduces the amount of hot
     outside air that must be chilled.
  -- Don't top off your gas tank. In hot weather, fuel expansion can cause
     overflow.
  -- If your vehicle doesn't require premium grade fuel, use regular
     unleaded.
  -- Look for low fuel prices, but don't waste gas driving to a distant
     location to save a few cents.
  -- Keep track of gas mileage. If you notice a decrease in fuel economy,
     your vehicle may not be operating at peak performance.

For more than 100 years, AAA has represented the interests of the nation's motorists and served as an advocate for various traffic safety and travel related issues. AAA Chicago has served that role in Illinois since its founding in 1906. For more information about AAA Chicago please call 1-866-YOUR-AAA or visit http://www.aaa.com/ .

AAA Chicago offers automotive, travel, insurance and financial services. It is part of The Auto Club Group (ACG), the largest affiliation of AAA clubs in the Midwest, with 4.1 million members in eight states. ACG clubs belong to the national AAA federation, a not-for-profit organization, with more than 48 million members in the United States and Canada.