With summer in full swing a lot of us will be headed out on the roadways for vacations and summer travel. A new statewide initiative just kicked off called “Drive Clean Across Texas.” Its mission is to save you money at the pump along with reduction air pollution.

Here are some simple tips:

• Keep your tires properly inflated. When your tires are low, they produce more drag. More drag makes your engine work harder and in turn that produces more air pollution. It also reduces your gas mileage.
• Consider using a multi-grade motor oil called “energy conserving.” Special additives in the oil reduce harmful emissions and can improve your fuel economy by five to ten percent.
• Another way to save: travel light. Carrying around extra weight in your vehicle causes your engine to work harder and use more gas.
• Finally, make sure you stop at the click. While filling up, don’t top off the tank, which will cause fumes to escape. Also tighten the gas cap. A loose cap can cause you to lose 30 gallons of gas a year to the air.

The “Drive Clean Across Texas” campaign is giving away a low emission hybrid vehicle to one lucky Texan. To enter and to learn about more ways you can drive clean head to its website.