| Here are some simple ways to save money by | | | | fuel-economy for every 5 mph you drive over |
| improving your fuel economy-no matter what | | | | 65 mph. |
| you drive. | | | | |
| | | | Aggressive behavior-such as screeching to a |
| 1.Regular check-ups pay off at the pump. The | | | | halt or accelerating quickly from a dead |
| professionals at RK Buick report that | | | | stop-can decrease fuel-economy by 33 percent. |
| skipping recommended maintenance leads to | | | | Save gas by driving at an even speed. |
| fouled spark plugs and clogged air and fuel | | | | |
| filters. | | | | 5.Kick it into high gear. For the greatest |
| | | | fuel efficiency drive in the highest gear |
| Clean oil, fresh spark plugs a well-tuned | | | | possible when cruising at a steady speed on |
| motor, and properly inflated tires coupled | | | | the highway. (This also reduces engine wear.) |
| with the right octane gas for your car keep | | | | |
| it healthy and saves you money. | | | | 6.Avoid cruise control on hills and lower |
| | | | your gas bills. RK Buick says to think about |
| 2.Keeping your cool - windows up or down? | | | | the approaching terrain before you push |
| Open windows or air conditioning in hot | | | | cruise control. |
| weather? It depends, says the service team at | | | | |
| RK Buick. | | | | Cruise control improves gas mileage by |
| | | | maintaining a steady speed-but only on flat |
| Running an air conditioner consumes extra | | | | roads. Using cruise control on hilly terrain |
| fuel, but driving with rolled down windows | | | | typically uses more gas then if you were |
| leads to drag on the vehicle. Ideally leave | | | | operating the accelerator yourself. |
| windows open when driving slowly in traffic. | | | | |
| For highway driving, roll up the windows and | | | | 7.Keep your engine properly tuned.If your |
| turn on the air conditioning. | | | | engine is experiencing hard starts, rough |
| | | | idling, or stalling, it could have a negative |
| 3.Get the junk out of your trunk. Hauling | | | | impact on fuel efficiency. Nine times out of |
| excess weight wastes gas. Every extra 100 | | | | ten, the problem stems from something basic |
| lbs reduces fuel economy approximately two | | | | like worn spark plugs, a dirty air filter, or |
| percent; a loaded roof rack by five percent. | | | | bad ignition wires. |
| Eliminate excess cargo by emptying out | | | | |
| trunks, back seats, and roof carriers. | | | | Taking care of the trouble early is not only |
| | | | likely to improve your gasoline mileage - it |
| 4.A steady pace wins the fuel-economy race. | | | | will also prevent minor problems from |
| Speeding cuts into gas mileage. RK Auto Group | | | | becoming expensive repairs later on. |
| says you'll see a 7 percent decrease in | | | | |