Most Reno drivers are all talking right now. Better gas mileage. Fewer emissions. Nevada folks want to save the environment and our pocketbooks.

And we Reno drivers all know — or should know — that preventive maintenance will help maintain maximum fuel efficiency. But is there something more we can do? After all, some of us Reno road warriors can’t cut back on our driving, and others would like to do more to economize.

Weight is one major enemy of fuel economy. The more weight you carry around in your vehicle, the more fuel you’re burning to travel around Reno, and that means buying more gas and producing more emissions.

Of course, your vehicle’s weight isn’t negotiable. And you can’t do much about the weight of your passengers. And this isn’t an article about diet and exercise.

But look around your car. Are you hauling a bunch of unnecessary weight while driving around Reno? Do you really need your golf clubs every time you leave your neighborhood? Store sports equipment in the garage. Load it when you need it and store it when you don’t. Who knows? The extra exercise just might reduce the other type of weight in your vehicle.

The same can be said for any items in your car: makeup sets, music collections and CD’s, extra electronics, spare clothing: whatever your particular extras may be, pack your belongings when you need them and store them when you don’t!

Clean out your vehicle. You’d be surprised how much weight you’re lugging around in plain old junk. Toss old papers, leftover food, and regular old dirt. Even if it’s not a lot of weight, you’ll feel better when you get into your car. A good cleaning is also part of good car care.

Now, don’t toss stuff you really do need. You do need that spare tire — the one in your trunk. And a kit of emergency essentials is not a bad idea. But just carry around the day-to-day essentials. You can pack a more extensive kit and store it in your garage, then toss it in the car when you go on a longer trip; but you don’t have to lug it around all the time.

After all, are you a driver? Or are you a junk chauffeur?