O'Reilly Auto Parts (NASDAQ: ORLY) understands car care maintenance. Since fuel prices reached all-time highs this spring, we want to pass along some quick tips to attain the best mileage possible from your vehicle.

Maintaining a consistent level of fuel economy happens in a variety of methods. While products that boast huge gains in mileage can provide some savings, significant improvements in fuel economy can be achieved through observing good driving habits and keeping your vehicle well maintained. Here are a few tips to help maintain your vehicle to its optimum performance level.

  • Air Filter ? Changing a dirty air filter can improve gas mileage by up to 10% and should be done annually and checked every time you change your oil. Don't forget about your fuel filter and breather filter, which also need to be changed annually.
  • Spark Plugs ? Worn spark plugs can reduce fuel economy by up to 30%. Check your owner's manual for change intervals that will help improve vehicle performance and increase fuel mileage.
  • Tire Inflation ? Keeping your tires properly inflated can improve your fuel economy up to one mile per gallon. Under-inflated tires are not only a safety hazard but result in a significant reduction in economy.
  • Gas Cap ? Around 17% of vehicles have either damaged, loose or missing fuel caps, which causes fuel to evaporate and reduces mileage. Make sure your gas cap is tight after refueling and consider purchasing a locking gas cap.
  • Motor Oil Grade ? Using the vehicle manufacturers' recommended grade of motor oil could improve your mileage up to 2%.
  • O2 Sensor ? Most vehicles produced since 1981 have one or more oxygen sensors. Replacing faulty oxygen sensors can improve your mileage up to 40%.
  • Check Engine Light ? When illuminated, the Check Engine light could indicate a number of potential problems that would negatively affect fuel economy. If your check engine light is on, it's a good idea to have a diagnostic check performed by a qualified technician.
  • Aggressive Driving ? Speeding, rapid acceleration and hard braking can lower your mileage more than 30%. Fuel efficiency decreases rapidly at speeds above 60 mph. Each 5 mph you drive over 60 mph is like paying an additional $.10 per gallon.
  • Excess Idling ? Avoid excess idling. Your vehicle uses more fuel to idle than it does to restart the engine. If you are stopping for an extended period of time, turn your engine off.
  • Excess Weight ? Heavier vehicles take more fuel to move. Clean out your vehicle and improve your fuel economy.

Most of the items listed here can be done at little or no cost, and they can save time, money and inconvenience. Your owner's manual is an excellent reference when performing maintenance on your vehicle. Periodically, your vehicle should have a thorough inspection by a qualified technician. To find a technician in your local area, visit www.oreillyauto.com and click on the Certified Auto Repair tab.

O'Reilly Automotive, Inc. is one of the largest specialty retailers of automotive aftermarket parts, tools, supplies, equipment and accessories in the United States, serving both the do-it-yourself and professional installer markets. Founded in 1957 by the O'Reilly family, the Company operated 1,687 stores in the states of Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming as of March 31, 2007.