Simple Device May Help Save Gas

CINCINNATI -- A simple device may help drivers improve their gas mileage.

A vaccuum gauge lets motorists pay greater attention to their acceleration and braking, allowing them to reduce the amount of gas they use in stop-and-go driving, NewsChannel5 partner ONN reported.

The gauge was popular on vehicles in the 1960s but is rarely installed today, mechanic Tom O'Shea said. The gauge is mounted onto the dashboard. Viewing the gauge reminds drivers to accelerate and break slowly, since that keeps the needle as steady as possible.

O'Shea said that by preventing sharp stops and starts, drivers can improve their gas mileage by 7 to 10 percent.

The gauges can be purchased at most automobile supply stores and cost about $20. Installation of the gauge is easy, O'Shea said.

AAA says the statewide average for regular is now a record $3.90. That's up a penny from Thursday, 52 cents higher than a month ago and almost 70 cents more than at this time last year.

The average price for diesel in Ohio also has reached another new high, at about $4.46 a gallon.