DRIVING : Getting More for Less

Despite its commitment to feeding all-polluting automobiles, Shell Oil believes the oxide-belching beast can be tamed by concerned motorists with a gentler touch.

The heavier the foot, says a new pamphlet from the Shell Answer Person, the greater the gas consumption and emissions.

To squeeze more miles from each gallon:

* Check wheels frequently. Misalignment and low tire pressures increase road resistance that wastes two miles per gallon.

* Tune up to change grubby plugs, flush fuel injectors and change the air filter. It may improve gas mileage by 20%.

* When jammed in the Orange Crush, better to inch along smoothly than stop and go. In looser traffic, driving at 55 m.p.h. rather than 65 can save up to five miles per gallon.

* Get into high gear early but without straining the engine. Skipping gears is allowed, say from first to third, or third to fifth. With an automatic, gentle acceleration gets into top gear faster.

* A lighter car is thriftier.

* Air conditioning increases consumption, so let ‘em see you sweat.

* The world’s worst gas number is zero miles per gallon, which is what you get when a car is idling--not moving.

* If waiting for a cheeseburger, switch off the engine. Restarting uses the same amount of gas as idling for 30 seconds.

The Better Mileage Book is one of an ongoing series of public service pamphlets by Shell. Call (800) 331-3703 or write: Shell Answers, P.O. Box 4681, Department P, Houston, Tex. 77210.

To pick up copies at your Shell station, try walking.