News Briefs

Tips for Saving Gas
With fuel prices near all-time highs this summer, International Truck and Engine Corporation, which builds diesel engines for Ford trucks, is offering a series of tips to increase fuel mileage. The company recommends that drivers:

• Check and replace air filters regularly. Replacing a clogged filter can boost fuel mileage up to 10 percent.

• Keep tires properly inflated. Check pressure weekly and make sure the wheels are in alignment.

• Use the manufacturer’s recommended grade of motor oil. Using the wrong grade can lower mileage by 1 to 2 percent.

• Avoid aggressive driving. Speeding, rapid acceleration and braking too quickly can lower mileage by one-third at highway speeds and 5 percent in the city.

• Avoid excessive idling. Idling gets 0 miles per gallon.

• Use cruise control. Maintaining a constant speed usually saves fuel.

• Use overdrive gears. This safes fuel and engine wear.

• Use high gears. Use the highest gear to achieve the lowest engine rpm.

International Truck and Engine Corporation of Warrenville, Illinois, builds diesel engines, so naturally its final recommendations is that vehicle buyers consider diesel engines for fuel economy. The company says that diesels typically deliver 30 percent better mileage than gasoline engines, and that the fuel savings can be even higher in demanding applications like towing.

Go Camping offers Trip Planner
A free online trip-planning service is now available from Go Camping America, the consumer Web site of the National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds.

The service allows users to plan a detailed itinerary, with daily schedules, driving directions, and suggested activities. The Web site has information about private parks and playgrounds and can help travelers choose restaurants, learn what movies are playing in town and find nearby golf courses, outlet malls and other attractions. The planning service was created through a partnership of the campground association and TripKing, which specializes in online road travel planning. The service can be accessed at www.gocampingamerica.com.

Country Coach Promotes Executives
Mark D. Andersen has been named executive vice president of Country Coach, the Junction City, Oregon, manufacturer of high-end motorhomes. Andersen was formerly chief financial officer of National RV Holdings, the parent company of Country Coach. In his new position, Andersen will lead an initiative to streamline company operations while maintaining responsibility for a broad range of company functions, including finance, human resources, information technology and public relations. The company also appointed Paul Kellerman as director of business process management.

North Tahoe Expands Skiing
Ski resorts at North Lake Tahoe are making major improvements this summer to prepare for the next ski season. Mt. Rose-Ski Tahoe is developing the Chutes, which will feature 16 new runs in an area of 200 skiable acres with a vertical drop of nearly 1,500 feet. The resort will also install a new six-passenger detachable chairlift to access the East Bowl.

Northstar-at-Tahoe ski resort is adding a pedestrian village that will include a fitness center, year-round outdoor ice rink, places for casual and fine dining, bookstore, bakery and 213 condominiums. For information about North Lake Tahoe, call (800) 824-6348 or see www.mytahoevacation.com.