As this issue goes to print, oil prices are nearing their highest point in more than 12 years at $37 a barrel. This relates directly to the prices of gasoline, currently at an average price of $1.66 per gallon - 54 cents higher than a year ago - according to Energy Department statistics.

As gas prices rise, it's a good time to encourage your customer base to keep their vehicles in tune, improving gas mileage by 4 percent (40 percent when their vehicles need an oxygen sensor). Remind customers that the replacement of a clogged air filter can improve gas mileage by as much as 10 percent. And keeping tires inflated to the recommended pressure can save as much as 3 to 5 cents per gallon.

Now here's a thought: A person who gets an average of 55 miles to the gallon (Honda Insight) and spends $363 annually for gasoline will most likely travel more miles than a person who gets 14 miles to the gallon (GMC Envoy), spending $2,356 annually for gasoline. Based on that logic, the benefits of high-mileage vehicles not only include saving money, strengthening national energy security and protecting the environment, but also the relationship to mechanical service and repair. When the consumer increases miles driven, there's a direct increase in service and repair and a reduction in the amount of time a vehicle is attracted to franchised dealerships for warranty repair.

Even if the two consumers go the same distance in a year, the more fuel-efficient consumer has nearly $2,000 of spending money for possible services and repair.

Stat Corner is written by Denise Caspersen, ASA's research management specialist. She can be reached at (800) 272-7467, ext. 236.

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