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AAA Offers Tips to Cut Gas Costs
October 28, 2008
To help ease sticker shock at the gas pump, AAA offers a dozen easy-to-follow, money-saving suggestions.
To cut gasoline costs:
- Slow down. Even a five-mile-per-hour decrease in speed can affect gas mileage. Watch your tachometer to gauge engine performance.
- Keep tires properly inflated. Under-inflated tires can cut fuel economy by a half percent per pound of pressure below recommended levels.
- Give your car a full tune-up. Include a regular oil and oil filter change. A poorly tuned engine can increase fuel use by up to 50 percent or more.
- Use the proper grade of gasoline. Do not purchase more expensive mid-grade or premium gasoline unless recommended by the vehicle manufacturer.
- Don't let a vehicle idle for more than a minute. Idling can consume as much as a gallon of gas per hour. Idling also wastes more fuel than restarting the engine.
- Maintain a consistent speed. Accelerate gently, brake gradually and avoid hard stops.
- Plan errands. Combine outings into one trip or location as often as possible to spend less time on the road.
- Pare extra weight. The excess weight of car top carriers, trailers and other vehicles cause engines to work harder and burn more gas.
- Car pool when possible.
- Travel during off-peak times to avoid rush hour.
- Check the engine oil level when buying gas. Your car will run more efficiently if the engine is lubricated properly.
- Large trucks benefit from lowered speeds. For every one-mile-per-hour increase above 55 mph, fuel efficiency generally decreases 2.2 percent.
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