Here’s an easy way to help improve fuel economy and protect your automobile investment: Know exactly what type of motor oil your car uses. When the manufacturer made your car, they did tests to see what types of motor oil deliver the best performance. Using a motor oil that has not been tested on your car could lead to friction and poorer fuel economy, and it can also cause damage to the interior components of your car. Check the owner’s manual and stick to what your automaker recommends.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

The next time you're baking, save the aluminum foil to give your dull scissors a makeover. Stack seven clean and dry used pieces of aluminum foil on top of each other and cut away with your dull scissors. The blades will be sharpened the more you cut the foil, and eventually you will be left with almost-as-good-as-new scissors. And remember, the aluminum foil is still recyclable, so crumple it up into a ball and toss it in your curbside bin.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

The Natural Resources Defense Council estimates a typical refrigerator accounts for around 10 to 15% of an entire household’s energy usage every single month. If you’re going away for an extended period of time, one of the best things you can do is power off your refrigerator. After it’s emptied out, simply flip the switch in the circuit breaker box to shut off the power. If this isn’t possible, the next-best thing is to increase the fridge temperature to 42 degrees. That’s cool enough to preserve food and get maximum energy efficiency.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION