The relentless rise of gas prices has us all a bit crazy right now, especially at the start of the Fourth of July holiday weekend, when we would rather be taking a holiday from panic at the pump.
Here are some ways you can increase the fuel efficiency of Old Breakdown and squeeze more miles out of every high-priced gallon --
Check your tires -- Experts estimate that U.S. drivers waste nearly 3 Billion gallons of gas each year by driving on tires that are not inflated properly. If yours are under-inflated by 5-8 PSI, you are losing a couple of miles per gallon. Depending on how much you drive, that can add up to wasting enough gas this year to pay for a week's worth of groceries to feed your family. Always check your tires when they are cold, since driving even a short distance to the gas station can change the reading.
Slow down -- According to the Department of Energy, for every 5 mph over 55 mph you drive, is costing you 20 cents a gallon. Driving at 55 instead of 65 or 75 mph also reduces emissions. Not to mention reducing traffic deaths. At 55mph, a vehicle travels the length of a football field in just four seconds. It's less than 2 seconds at 75 mph. Wouldn't you rather have an extra couple of seconds to react to an emergency?
Step on the brake and gas gently -- Jack-rabbit starts and slam-dunk stops waste gas, so be more gentle with that gas pedal. div>
Lighten the load -- Get the junk out of the trunk. Every extra pound you carry around reduces how many miles you can squeeze out of that lemon you used to love.
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