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SALT LAKE CITY — With the rising cost of fuel, many drivers are trying to make fuel last longer

Car mechanic Cesar Hernandez, owner of Mr. Muffler, said don’t wait until you are nearly out of gas before filling up. He says that could damage your car.

“Ninety percent of vehicles now days have an internal fuel pump inside the gas tank,” he said. “Itself cools with the fuel. With the gasoline inside the gas tank, it cools that little pump and everything. So, if you are running on empty all the time, you are going to create excessive heat and you are going to burn up your pump.”

Hernandez recommends drivers fill up at some point after reaching a quarter of a tank. To improve gas mileage, Hernandez says regular maintenance is important.

He suggests doing things like keeping your tires properly inflated. 

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says how fast you drive can also help make fuel last longer. According to the agency, gas mileage rapidly decreases once a vehicle reaches 50 mph. It says rapidly accelerating and braking can decrease gas mileage by as much as 40 percent. 

Additionally, it’s recommended bulky items such as a rooftop box be removed when not in use. Keeping windows rolled up can also help as well.

Mark Jones contributed to this article.

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