Looking for ways to get the most bang for your buck when it
comes to fuel? There are ways to help maximize each tank for a longer period of
time. Some are well-known, and others you may not have realized. Try these 7
tips to get the most of your next fill-up:
1. Lighten up - Empty your trunk and back seats of any items you don’t need. Also, don't fill up your tank until you're close to empty, as toting less fuel will also make your vehicle lighter. A lighter car should get you better MPG.
2. Cool off - It is okay to turn on you AC. Consumer Reports says that Air Conditioning's gas-guzzling reputation is undeserved. Furthermore, at higher speeds, opening the windows or sunroof can hurt on gas miles by increasing drag.
3. Stay straight - Staying in one lane as much as possible will also help with fuel consumption, as weaving in and out of lanes uses up more gas miles.
4. Tighten up - Your gas cap, that is. You don't want to let any of that precious fuel evaporate.
5. Shift up - Put your car in overdrive for highway driving. It lowers your RPM, which saves you gas money. Check your owner's manual for the recommended speed at which you may use overdrive.
6. Just cruise - Go ahead and use cruise control when you're on a flat highway, where it can increase gas miles by 7%. However, don't use it on uneven roads where it's not efficient.
7. Shut off - Turn off all electronics and climate controls before you cut the engine. With the extras off, your engine won't have to strain so hard to restart, leading to better gas miles.
