Fuel Economy

Enjoy Your Ride While Saving Gas and Money

See the below tips to learn how to enjoy your SUV, pickup or van while saving gas and money.

• If you own more than one car, use the more energy-conserving vehicle as often as possible.
  
  
• Consolidate trips and errands to cut down on driving time and keep needless miles off the odometer.
  
  
• Find one location where you can take care of all banking, grocery shopping and other chores. "Comparison shop" by phone, online or through newspaper advertisements.
  
  
• Slow down. The faster a vehicle travels, the more gas it burns. Driving faster than posted speed limits is dangerous and increases stress. Leave enough time to reach your destination at a proper speed.
  
  
• Avoid quick starts and sudden stops. This wastes fuel, is harder on vehicle components and increases the odds of a traffic crash.
  
  
• Routinely maintain your vehicle. Keeping tires inflated, moving components properly lubricated and ignition and emission systems operating properly will help your vehicle achieve maximum fuel economy and extend its useful life.
  
  
• Lighten the load. Don't haul extra weight in the passenger compartment, trunk or cargo area of your vehicle. A heavier vehicle uses more gasoline.
  
  
• Check your vehicle owner's manual. If your vehicle does not require premium or mid-grade fuel, purchase less expensive regular unleaded gas.
  
  
• Shop for low gasoline prices locally, but don't waste gas driving to a distant filling station to save a few cents.
  
  
• Know the correct starting procedure for your car. Don't race a cold engine to warm it up.
  
  
• Avoid extended idling to warm up the engine. Start driving as soon as the engine is started, but avoid rapid acceleration. The engine will warm up faster under a light load, and the exhaust emission equipment will begin to function sooner.
  
  
• Maintain steady speeds for the best fuel economy. A car uses extra fuel when it accelerates.
  
  
• Try to minimize the need to brake by anticipating traffic conditions. Be alert for slow-downs and red lights.
  
  
• Travel at moderate speeds on the open road. Higher speeds require more gasoline use to overcome air resistance. Remember, however, speeds slower than the flow of traffic can create a traffic hazard.
  
  
• Use the air conditioner only when needed. Air conditioning dramatically reduces fuel economy. Most air conditioners have an "economy" setting that allows the circulation of unchilled air. Many also have a "maximum" or "recirculation" setting that reduces the amount of hot outside air that must be chilled. Both settings can reduce the air conditioning load - and save gas.

Source: AAA

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