Change your air filter as recommended. Between changes, inspect it by taking the filter out and tapping it against a hard surface. If dirt falls out, replace the filter. Doing so can improve fuel economy by up to 10%.

You'll get a more accurate dipstick reading if you wait a few minutes after turning off the engine. This gives the oil in the crankcase time to drain back into the oil pan. Also, make sure the vehicle is on level ground.

If you spent much of the winter coughing and sneezing you might want to replace your cabin air filter and thoroughly vacuum interior surfaces.

Manufacturers provide detailed specifications on each replacement tire, making tire selection easier.

If the tire is not marked with the "Mountain Snowflake Symbol", it is not an approved winter tire.

Always consult the manufacturer's specifications and guidelines on performance tire use.

Overloading a truck tire can cause excessive heat buildup, leading to tire failure.

Tread wear grades are only valid when comparing tires from the same manufacturer.

When you buy new tires, fill in and return your tire registration form. In the event of a recall, the manufacturer will contact you. In many cases, you can register online.

For maximum traction in wet or snow conditions, replace tires before they reach minimumtreaddepth.

Always install the same type of tire on all four wheels to ensure proper handling and safety.

Be careful when you take your new tires on the road. Every tire requires a break-in period during which handling and traction will be slightly compromised.

Reducing tire pressure to increase traction doesn't work. Driving on under-inflated tires is dangerous any time of year.

In the event of striking an object on the road, find a safe area to stop and inspect your vehicle. Report any noticeable damage to a GM Goodwrench technician.

After rotation of your tires, adjust front and rear tire pressure as indicated on the Tire-Loading Information label.

To get a true tire pressure reading, check the tires when they're cold -- when your vehicle has been idle for at least three hours.

A label on the underside of the trunk lid or on the edge of the driver's door will tell you the proper tire inflation for your car or truck.

Tires with less than 1.6 mm of tire tread depth or visible treadwear indicators in three or more places should be replaced as should tires with bulges, splits or cracks.

Take five minutes every month to check your tire pressure. Under-inflated tires can increase your fuel consumption by 4% and lead to reduced tire life-spans, which means more worn tires in our landfills.

Tires with treads worn down to the same level as thetreadwear indicator (1.6 mm or 2/32 of an inch in depth) should be replaced. Proper treads allow for normal handling of your vehicle and as a result more efficient fuel consumption.

Tires will lose pressure when the temperature gets colder. The general rule provided by tire manufacturers is 7kPa or 1psi drop for every 5 degree Celsius or Fahrenheit change, so measuring tire pressures year-round is vital.

Over-inflated tires wear out more quickly in the center of thetread. Under-inflated tires wear out more quickly at the outer edge of thetread. With under-inflated tires, rolling resistance is increased causing increased fuel consumption.

Although all-season tires can be used in a moderate winter environment, winter tires provide the best cold weather performance below 7°C. This includes wet and dry in addition to snow/ice/slush surfaces where greater tread flexibility leads to better grip.

Improperly maintained brakes can result in unwanted drag. This unnecessary resistance can substantially increase fuel consumption.

Driving the speed limit helps maximize gas mileage. Cruise control may also maximize gas mileage by maintaining your vehicle at a constant speed.

Quick starts burn gas while hard stops can cost you. Take your foot off the accelerator and coast a bit before stopping for a traffic light or a stop sign.

The wrong wheel/rim can cause problems with bearing life, brake cooling, speedometer or odometer calibration, headlight aim, as well as bumper height and ground clearance.

The best way to drive out of a skid is to take your foot off the accelerator, steer in the direction you want to go and constantly check for an escape route.

If you need to turn the wheel suddenly to avoid hitting an object in the path of your vehicle, look in the direction you're turning. If you look at the object, you're more likely to hit it.

You're burning fuel while idling - up to a 3.79 litres every hour. So, avoid rush hour traffic when possible.

Build up speed before an incline, and then maintain it on the way up. Coast on the way down for additional fuel efficiency.

Driving the speed limit helps maximize gas mileage. Cruise control may also maximize gas mileage by maintaining your vehicle at a constant speed.

Air conditioners and heaters are efficient on the highway, but they can increase your fuel consumption by up to 12% in stop-and-go traffic.

Your wiper blades may not be cleaning your windshield properly if you haven't replaced them in the past 12 months. Consider replacing them to ensure a cleaner windshield and to avoid over using your washer fluid.

Make sure your vehicle has antifreeze rated for the coldest weather. It's also a smart idea to replace your windshield wipers every year before winter begins or purchase winter rated windshield wipers.

In rainy or snowy weather, turn on your headlamps and tail lamps. Even if your visibility is good, other drivers will have a better view of your vehicle in their rearview mirrors.