Proper maintenance of your car or truck will increase its fuel economy and put dollars back in your pocket in the form of savings. The U.S. Department of Energy offers these tips:

Check tires regularly. Underinflated tires not only can run hot, shortening their lives, they also lead to more gasoline use. About 4 million gallons of gasoline would be saved each day if Americans kept their tires inflated at the recommended pressure.

Buy the gasoline octane and oil grade recommended in your owner’s manual. You do not need to buy fuel with higher octane than is recommended. It won’t give more “power;” it will only take money out of your pocket.

Tune your car as needed. This will extend life and improve performance. A poorly tuned car uses 3-9% more gasoline than a well-tuned one.

Replace the engine filters as recommended in your owner’s manual; clogged filters waste gasoline.

Remove unnecessary weight — i.e., don’t carry heavy items in your trunk, back seat or cargo compartment.