NATCHEZ — For the past several weeks the cost of gas has been near or, slightly over, $4 a gallon.

By now most drivers have become familiar with the sticker shock associated with each fill up.

And although the average consumer has no control over the cost of their fuel they can control how efficiently they use that pricey petrol.

Lakeside Ford’s service advisor Barry Gunter said just by keeping up with a few small maintenance items drivers can run their engines more efficiently and burn less gas.

“Proper maintenance is critical for your car,” he said. “And a lot of people are just unaware of that.”

Gunter said while owners should consult their vehicle’s service manual for specific recommendations, there a simple things drivers can do to improve their vehicle’s mileage.

“Check the air filter,” Gunter said. “A clean air filter helps the engine run more efficiently. More air equals less fuel.”

Since engines burn a mixture of air and fuel, a clogged air filter will result in more fuel than necessary being burned.

Gunter said, under typical driving, conditions an air filter should be replaced every 10,000 to 15,000 miles.

Correctly inflated tires are one of the most common reasons for depleted mileage Gunter said.

But luckily, they’re easy to fix.

Gunter said tires that are five to 10 pounds under pressure can alter mileage by up to one to two miles per gallon.

“That can add up really fast,” he said.

Robert Green, manager at Lambuth’s Quick Lube, said he has seen an increase in customers seeking synthetic oil when it comes time for an oil change.

“It keeps the engine cooler,” he said of the synthetic oil.

Green said a cooler running engine can run more efficiently and use less fuel.

In addition to cooler engine temps, Green said the synthetic oil breaks down more slowly than traditional oil and prevents engine wear.

Aside from oil changes, Gunter said a regularly replaced fuel filter can add to the mileage a car gets.

Gunter said a clogged fuel filter will use more gas than necessary and decrease mileage.

But one of the simplest things that can be done to improve mileage involves no maintenance at all.

Gunter said simply staying within the confines of the speed limit can also improve mileage.

Gunter said in his personal vehicle he can get up to two more miles per gallon by staying under 70 mph.

“It helps,” he said. “And it can all add up.”