Right now many of us are thinking of ways to try and reduce our fuel costs ranging from the simple (driving at slower speeds) to the extreme (using a rowboat to get to work).

There are simple steps that can allow you to maximize your fuel mileage and hopefully keep you from having to row across the sound to work everyday.

Properly inflating your tires can save up to 12 cents per gallon.

Using the right grade of motor oil has the potential to save drivers up to 8 cents per gallon.

Installing a clean engine air filter adds up to an impressive 40 cents per gallon saving.

Keep that engine properly tuned to save up to 16 cents a gallon (replace spark plugs, wires, fuel filter at regular intervals).

Other tips include not carrying extra weight in the car, removing unused luggage racks or bike racks that increase drag, driving at a moderate and steady speed (cruise control can help) and not letting the car idle longer than 30 seconds.

The U.S. Federal Trade Commission warns that most gas-saving products are bogus.

Be wary of any gas-saving claims for automotive devices or oil and gas additives, according to the commission. Even for the few gas-saving products that have been found to work, the savings have been small.

Hope these tips help and make sure you discuss with your mechanic any service needs or maintenance items that may be keeping your car from obtaining optimum mileage.

( The cost savings estimates are based on $3.96 per gallon of gas. Data provided by fueleconomy.gov).

Questions? Post comments here or contact Ridge McCoy, service manager at Alki Auto Repair, at ridgealkiauto@comcast.net or 935-8059.