| 3 Ways to Save Gas This Summer | | | | | | Stay Consistent | | “If you are constantly working the throttle, changing speeds, or causing the transmission to downshift, you’ll end up using more gas,” says Matt DeLorenzo, senior managing editor for Kelley Blue Book. “AAA reports that reducing highway speeds by 5 to 10 mph can increase fuel economy by as much as 14 percent,” adds Randy Clements, department head of MINI Product Planning and Aftersales and a 25-year at industry veteran. “While all vehicles reach optimal fuel economy at different speeds, a study by the US Department of Energy reports that fuel economy also drops dramatically when vehicles go faster than 50mph.” |
|
|---|
| |
| | | | Keep An Eye On Your Tire Pressure | | Proper inflation is the key to the best fuel economy. “Overinflated tires may have a lower rolling resistance, but will wear out more quickly,” says DeLorenzo. “So, what you’d save in fuel, you’d more than pay for in a new set of tires. Underinflated tires also cost fuel and cause premature wear. So it’s best to keep them pumped up to the manufacturer’s recommendation.” |
|
|---|
| |
| | | | Use Your A/C. Carefully. | | “The wind resistance generated by open windows has an adverse effect on aerodynamics, and fuel economy,” says DeLorenzo. “Modern A/C systems have become more efficient, so it’s best to keep the windows up.” That said, cranking the A/C to really cold temperatures can cost you fuel. “It’s just like your home,” he says. “The lower the temp, and the longer it runs, the more it will cost.” |
|
|---|
| |
|
| | |
|
|
