1. Do needed maintenance. If your refund is $1,000 or less, putting it toward maintenance or minor repairs you have been ignoring or postponing makes good sense. Concentrate especially on safety-related issues like brakes.

If your check-engine light on the dashboard goes on, it could indicate you need to replace your oxygen sensor, an issue that could be hurting your gas mileage by up to 40 percent.

2. Buy new tires. If the tread is worn down, your tires may have trouble gripping well through curves or on wet pavement. Stay with the same specifications of the tires that came with your vehicle.

Doing both of these easy fixes will save a lot of money over the long term.

**Courtesy CBS News

www.easterntireinc.com

Follow us "LIKE" us E-Newsletter Sign Up