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Tips to Save Gas

Part one in a series of articles to help you keep money in your pocket and gas in your tank.

Before you even put the key in the ignition, plan your trip.
Many people will just hop into their car to drive to the post office, come back home and park their car. An hour or two later they get right back in and drive to the market. This scenario is repeated over and over.

You will get better gas mileage if you combine errands into one trip since a warm engine uses less fuel. While you are at it, plan it out so you take the shortest route and/or roads with the least traffic… it doesn’t just sound smart, it is smart!

Google Maps and the AAA website have lots of trip planning information and maps.

Choose the right time to drive
Many times simply leaving fifteen minutes early or leaving just after the rush can save you travel time and gas.  Why?  All that stop-n-go will use up a huge amount of gas especially if you drive a car with a V6 engine or an SUV.

Check traffic reports via television, radio or through online traffic reports before leaving your home or office.

Disable All Wheel Drive
All-wheel drive or 4×4 capabilities are great for traction control on snowy or off-road use, but they consume quite a bit of gas. If you are on clear paved roads then disable the all-wheel drive mode to save gas. Only use this option when weather or road conditions dictate.

Avoid jack rabbit starts and stops
This is a tough one for some folks to resist especially the younger drivers, but avoid stomping on the gas pedal when the light turns green. While it may seem cool to hear that engine rev hard, fast starts out of the line will consume huge amounts of gas as the engine has to work much harder to get the car up to speed.  Accelerate gradually when starting off and extend your gas mileage and the life of your drive-train!

Tags: Gas & Green, Merla   Posted in Drive