According to AAA, for every pound of pressure your vehicle’s tires are low, fuel efficiency is reduced by as much as two percent. This doesn’t sound like a lot, but it adds up fast. AAA is offering free tire gauges and the following advice on how to get the most out of a tank of gas and keep more money in your wallet this summer.
“Motorists have more control over optimizing their vehicle’s fuel efficiency than many may realize,” said AAA Washington’s vice president of Automotive Services, John Milbrath. “Regular maintenance, driving techniques and when the vehicle is fueled up, all play a significant part of fuel consumption.”
Checking your tire pressure is one of the easiest ways to quickly improve fuel efficiency. Tire pressure should be checked monthly and when the tires are cold. If you do not have a tire gauge, AAA will give you one for free at any one of its 26 offices in Washington and northern Idaho, June 30 – July 3 (offices are closed July 4 in observance of Independence Day). To locate an office near you, go to AAA.com.
Regular vehicle maintenance inspections with your trusted automotive technician are recommended, especially before heading out on the road this summer under harsh weather conditions. These inspections will identify many of the problems linked to reduced fuel efficiency, such as: dirty air filters, clogged fuel filters and malfunctioning spark plugs. Plus, fluid replacement based on the schedule recommended in your vehicle’s owner’s manual can optimize your vehicle’s performance. If you don’t have a trusted automotive technician, AAA has done the work for you. AAA’s network of Approved Auto Repair facilities have passed AAA’s rigorous standards. A list of these shops can be found on the Web at AAA.com or by calling 1-800-222-4357.
How you drive your vehicle can also influence your fuel efficiency. AAA recommends the following driving techniques to increase fuel efficiency:
Gradually accelerate from a stop
Maintain steady speeds
Anticipate traffic conditions and stops
Decelerate by coasting when possible
Use cruise control when possible
Travel at moderate speeds, higher speeds require more fuel to overcome air resistance
To prevent wasting gasoline through evaporation, fill up your gas tank during the cooler temperatures of the day and make sure your gas cap is made for your vehicle and fits tightly. Motorists should use the grade of fuel recommended in their owner’s manual – purchasing premium gasoline, if not required, is a waste of money.
When hitting the open road this summer, keep the following fuel-saving tips in mind:
Take the vehicle that gets the best fuel efficiency
Use the air conditioning conservatively and utilize the “recirculation” setting if the vehicle has one or drive during cooler temperatures
Lighten your load and store luggage inside the vehicle for better wind resistance
Avoid congested roadways where starts and stops waste fuel
Choose a route that allows you to maintain a constant speed
Choose a vacation destination where only minimal driving is necessary once you arrive
As gas prices climb so does the temptation to stretch a tank of gas to the limit. AAA cautions motorists to not let their tank drop below a quarter of a tank. Running low or out of gas may cause sediment in the bottom of the tank to enter the fuel system, potentially clogging different parts in the system. Plus, running the tank dry may cause the electric fuel pump inside the tank to overheat, a fix that could cost $500 or more.
All of these fuel-saving tips and more can be found in the AAA Gas Watcher’s Guide brochure, which can be picked up at any AAA office along with a free tire gauge or found on the Web at AAA.com.
AAA Washington has been serving members and the traveling public since 1904. The organization provides a variety of exclusive benefits, including roadside assistance, discounts, maps and personalized trip planning, to its 960,000 members. In addition, its full-service travel and insurance agencies provide products and services for members and the public. Additional information is available through the company’s 26 offices in Washington and northern Idaho, at AAA.com, or by calling 1-800-562-2582.
