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(NC) When you consider the rising costs of gas and insurance, owning a vehicle can get pricey. Fortunately, these easy tips can help lower how much you spend on your car so theres more room in your budget for other expenses, like groceries and recreation. Increase your fuel economy. Did you know that a small spark plug problem can lead to a big expense? A dirty spark plug can cause a misfire, which wastes fuel and can ultimately harm your engine. To combat this, look for a spark plug thats designed for improved fuel economy, like the those from Fram. Try the Autolite Iridium XP Enhanced Alloy Technology line, which is precisely engineered with a focused ignition point for maximum power, efficiency and life. Get regular tune-ups. When a vehicle is properly tuned, all systems work in harmony, including the fuel, ignition, emission and computer systems. While it can be a hassle getting to regular appointments at your mechanic or dealer, remember that you are investing in the long-term performance of your car, saving you time and money. Regular engine tune-ups bring power and efficiency back to your car, ensuring that its reliable, safe and road-ready. Change your filters. There are many ways to keep your engine in good shape, helping it to last longer. One is checking the air filter every time you have the oil changed, because engine life and durability are directly related to keeping incoming air clean. Its an air filters job to remove contaminants from the air before it goes into the engine, and neglecting this component results in reduced performance. Fram extra guard filters provide premium engine protection and are proven to let in two times less dirt than the average leading standard retail brands. www.newscanada.com

Statistics released today by The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) show national home sales were up from May to June 2018. Highlights: National home sales rose 4.1% from May to June. Actual (not seasonally adjusted) activity was down 10.7% from June 2017. The number of newly listed homes eased 1.8% from May to June. The MLS Home Price Index (HPI) in June was up 0.9% year-over-year (y-o-y). The national average sale price edged down 1.3% y-o-y in June. National home sales via Canadian MLS Systems rose 4.1% in June 2018 compared to May. While this marks the first substantive month-over-month increase this year, sales remain well down from monthly levels recorded over the past five years. More than 60% of all local housing markets reported increased sales activity in June compared to May, led by the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). By contrast, sales in British Columbia continue to moderate. Actual (not seasonally adjusted) activity was down almost 11% compared to June 2017. Sales marked a five-year low and stood almost 7% below the 10-year average for the month of June. Activity came in below year-ago levels in about two-thirds of all local markets, led overwhelmingly by those in the Lower Mainland of British Columbia. This years new stress-test on mortgage applicants has been weighing on homes sales activity; however, the increase in June suggests its impact may be starting to lift, said CREA President Barb Sukkau. The extent to which the stress-test continues to sideline home buyers varies by housing market and price range. All real estate is local, and REALTORS remain your best source for information about sales and listings where you live or might like to in the future, said Sukkau.