Five Ways To Cut Down on Gasoline This Summer
Most Americans spend the greatest amount of money on transportation
during the summer. That's because summer is when they travel across the country the most.
However, gasoline prices usually go up by about 10 to 20 cents per gallon during the summer months. This makes many Americans think more than twice about their travel plans.
If you really have to drive your own vehicle to get to your destination, here are a few tips you may want to consider:
1) There is no need to "step on it." When driving long distances, the optimum speed for your car is at about 60 miles per hour. Gasoline mileage starts to drop any time you start going faster. On interstates and highways, you might want to be on cruise control to keep a relatively constant speed.
2) Control your temper. Avoid swerving, speeding, sudden acceleration and braking when on the road. Gas mileage can go down by as much as one third on the highways each time you resort to these aggressive driving habits.
3) Go easy on the A/C. Airconditioning drains the gas. If you're driving less than 55 miles per hour on a relatively cool day, try driving with the A/C off. This will improve fuel efficiency by about ten percent. However, if you're on the highways and going at 60 miles per hour, roll up the windows and turn the AC on. Open windows at high speeds make your car less aerodynamic by allowing air in, resulting in less fuel efficiency.
4) Turn off the engine when idling. You keep burning fuel without really going anywhere if you keep the engine on during long stops. Even in the dead of winter, you only need about a minute to get the car warmed up before you start driving away. Anything longer is just a waste of gas.
5) Go for the regular tune up. Tuning up your car regularly can cut down gasoline costs by about 4 percent if the problems are minor. Dealing immediately with major problems can increase fuel efficiency by as much as 40 percent. Remember also that oil change is needed every 3,000 miles or three months, whichever comes first.