Phoenix, Ariz., Oct. 1, 2009. Arizona motorists are experiencing the largest single week drop in fuel prices this year as the price of gasoline drops for the third consecutive week. Statewide, the current fuel average is $2.489 per gallon, a drop of 7.3 cents from last week. The last time prices fell by that much over one week was the week of December 18, 2008. Today’s nationwide average is $2.469 per gallon, a drop of 6.5 cents from last week.

Today marks the beginning of Car Care Month, a time AAA Arizona encourages motorists to ensure that vehicles that made it through Arizona’s brutal summer months are prepared for the remainder of the year. In honor of Car Care Month, the auto club would like to briefly describe five vehicle components that are critical to a vehicle’s safe operation, fuel efficiency and longevity. They include:

• Tire Pressure. Over-inflated tires suffer premature wear at the center of their tread. Under-inflated tires decrease fuel economy, cause imprecise handling and can fail at highway speeds. Check at least once a month when the tires are cold, following the recommendations in the owner’s manual or on the door jamb.
  
  
• Engine Air Filter. A dirty or clogged air filter restricts airflow, reduces engine performance and fuel economy while increasing exhaust emission levels. Check every six months or 7,500 miles.
  
  
• Battery Cables/Clamps/Terminals. Power from the battery flows to the vehicle’s electrical system through the cables, clamps, and terminals. If these components become corroded or loose, the vehicle won’t have the power needed to start the engine and operate other systems.
  
  
• Windshield Washer Fluid. Insects, grime, and other debris on your windshield will compromise your vision if they cannot be removed by your windshield wipers. Check washer fluid reservoir monthly and more often when you use the washers frequently.
  
  
• Engine Oil. Without an adequate supply of clean oil, the engine will wear more rapidly. Oil doesn’t freeze like water, but its viscosity (thickness) does increase as the mercury drops. Change engine oil and oil filter at the specified intervals.

“The current statewide average is nearly 28 percent lower than it was this time last year and is likely to continue its current downward trend, barring unforeseen circumstances,” said AAA Arizona Public Affairs Director Linda Gorman. “While this equates to lower pump prices for Arizona motorists, we recognize that motorists are continuing to seek and take advantage of savings as often as possible. Car Care Month is a good reminder of one way they can achieve this. A maintained vehicle improves fuel economy and will protect them from budget-busting repair bills.”

In Arizona, Tucson drivers continue to pay the least for fuel in the state with an average of $2.278 per gallon, while Flagstaff motorists continue to pay the most to fill their tanks with an average fuel price of $2.691 per gallon. Nationwide, Missouri motorists continue to pay the nation’s lowest fuel price with an average of $2.177 per gallon, while California motorists continue to pay the most for fuel in the lower 48 states with an average of $3.092 per gallon.

Motorists can visit www.AAAAZ.com/news/fuelnews.htm for fuel price information and gas saving tips or go to www.AAA.com/fuelfinder to locate the station with the cheapest gas in their neighborhood. They can also visit AAA’s Fuel Cost Calculator at www.fuelcostcalculator.com, which can help drivers plan out their fuel costs so they can budget their travel expenses in advance.

*The BTU-adjusted price of E-85 is the nationwide average price of E-85 adjusted to reflect the lower energy content as expressed in British Thermal Units - and hence miles per gallon - available in a gallon of E-85 as compared to the same volume of conventional gasoline. The BTU-adjusted price calculated by OPIS and AAA is not an actual retail average price paid by consumers. It is calculated and displayed as part of AAA's Fuel Gauge Report because according to the Energy Information Administration E-85 delivers approximately 25 percent fewer BTUs by volume than conventional gasoline. Because "flexible fuel" vehicles can operate on conventional fuel and E-85, the BTU-adjusted price of E-85 is essential to understanding the cost implications of each fuel choice for consumers.

AAA Arizona’s Weekly Fuel Gauge includes data from gasoline stations in every Arizona community. However, only major metropolitan areas are shown in the table above.  Local prices in some communities might be higher or lower than the averages shown here.