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CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Some good news for drivers: According to gasbuddy.com, nationally, gas prices are $1.20 lower than in mid-June.

In North Carolina, AAA says the state average is around $3.50.

But if you’re looking for ways to save gas, the Diamond Finish Car Wash and Lube Center has some tips. 

And with summer almost in the rearview mirror, they are also telling people how to get their car ready for the fall.

Amy Rhyne, whose father opened the business 25 years ago, says she’s seeing an uptick in people bringing their cars in for service.

If you’re heading out on any big road trips this fall, she says to first check the battery.

“So if you want to do a quick visual inspection, you just want to make sure the battery has no corrosion,” she said. "Make sure it is nice and clean. That is usually a quick indicator of the life and the health of the battery. If your headlights are shining brightly, that’s also usually another good indicator that the battery is working properly.”

Next, she says to go around and check the car’s tires and tread.

She says a good tread can mean savings at the pump.

“If your tread is light, then it makes basically your car have to work harder, which means you use more gas,” she said.

Another gas saving tip — she recommends getting a fuel injection cleaning.

“You are basically cleaning out the gunk and all the residual things that build up in your fuel tank,” she said. “And that also will decrease — not to get overly scientific — but the viscosity of your gas that you put in your car. So it’s almost like cleaning a drain out in your house. So if you clean out that drain, that water is going to flow through more efficiently and it’s the same with the fuel injection cleaning for your gas.”

Last, she says get your car washed. Not just because it will make it look nice, but if you are heading out on a fall road trip, it can help with visibility.

“Your windows are clean, your side mirrors are clean. It’s really critical,” she said. “Especially if you are traveling to an unknown location. You want to make sure you’ve got proper visibility.”

If you have any upcoming road trips, she says anyone can drop in for service.

Diamond Finish hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.