B6 THE ASTORIAN • THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2021 WE CARE DID YOU EVERYTHING KNOW? AUTO LOCAL ADVERTISING GUIDE Fuel-saving tips Monitor your tires Most modern vehicles use tire- pressure monitoring sensors to notify drivers if their tire loses the recommended amount of air. Generally, a dashboard warning light that depicts a tire with an exclamation mark in the middle will illuminate. If you notice this issue, it’s imperative to refill the compromised tire to the manufacturer’s specifications and monitor it to find out why it depleted. Often, cold weather can cause the air inside to condense and take up less space, causing a drop in the psi (pounds per square inch.) The United States Environmental Protection Agency suggests that keeping your tires properly inflated can improve gas mileage by 0.6% and up to 3% in some cases. While the tire’s maximum pressure is typically printed on its sidewall, drivers should reference the sticker on their door jamb to find the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations.  Remove excess weight Some drivers add heavy equipment and supplies to their vehicles to help gain traction and increase safety during wintry conditions. These can include snow shovels and extra blankets or clothing. However, the extra weight can significantly decrease a vehicle’s fuel economy. Once the ice and snow threat is over, remove the additional weighted items and emergency equipment.  For all emergency vehicles including TOW TRUCKS! YOU MUST MOVE OVER IT’S A LAW! Get a tune-up Well-maintained engines are designed to operate at their peak performance. As spark plugs, coils and other critical components begin to wear, replacing the vital parts can bring your motor back to life. Consider visiting your local repair shop or dealer to get an inspection on your starting and operating system.  IT IS A CLASS B TRAFFIC VIOLATION for failure to maintain a safe distance from EMERGENCY VEHICLES, ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE VEHICLES, TOWING VEHICLES AND AMBULANCES UNDER ORS 811.145, WITH A MINIMUM FINE OF $260. Safe driving techniques When traveling, it’s essential to anticipate incoming traffic and plan alternative routes if your main path is obstructed by an accident or highway repair. Avoiding excessive idling and stop-and-go driving can improve your vehicle’s overall fuel economy.  It would help if you also considered driving with a gentle approach. When you aggressively accelerate after a stop, vehicles require a larger gulp of fuel to meet the driver’s commands. Instead, slowly advance to higher speeds and gradually meet speed limits to maximize efficiency. Miles of Information provided courtesy of North Co. 503-458-5588 South Co. 503-338-6402 Smiles No matter where you’re headed, you can drive with a grin knowing you got a great rate on your new ride. We finance nearly any new or used car, truck, or SUV—and you can get our low cost financing at most area auto dealers. 2.74 We also refinance loans from other lenders to cut your payment! % APR* Best of all, we practice Rate Equality, which means everyone who qualifies gets our very best rate on vehicles up to 10 years old. Now that’s something to smile about! For more information, text AUTO to 360-351-4111 *Annual Percentage Rate effective 3/1/2021 and subject to change. Ten year old or newer vehicle and 48 month term at this rate. Extended term available at a higher rate. Apply Today at tlcfcu.org/auto-loans or visit us at one of our three Clatsop County branches. fibrefamily ILikeTLC www.tlcfcu.org 866.901.3521 85 W. Marine Dr. Astoria 2315 N. Roosevelt Dr. Seaside 1771 SE Ensign Ln. Warrenton A DIVISION OF CREDIT UNION