How You Drive = What You Spend on Gas

Unless you can afford to buy a less-thirsty car, you only need to look into the mirror to see your best option for improving gas mileage: you, and your driving habits. A recent series of road tests by fueleconomy.gov shows how dramatically changing your habits can improve gas mileage—especially in highway travel. Gas mileage gains from slowing down and driving less aggressively ranged from 5% to 33%, depending on how much driving style was changed.

Whatever your driving habits are now, here are some tips to save on gas:

• Slow down. By cutting speed from the mid-70s to 65 mph and avoiding lane changes and bursts of acceleration, the tests showed a 7% to 14% mileage improvement.
• Use cruise control. Setting cruise control for the flow of traffic allows you to stay at a constant speed and avoid aggressive driving habits like changing lanes.
• Don’t tailgate. Not only is it dangerous to drive close to the car ahead of you, the frequent braking and accelerating also decreases gas mileage.
• Don’t put luggage on top of the car. Those roof-top luggage carriers are tempting for family vacations, but the increased air resistance cut gas mileage 1% to 2% per every 100 pounds.
• Avoid idling. When you sit with the motor running, you’re getting zero miles per gallon; shut off the engine if you’re stopped for more than a minute.
• Check tire pressure. Having tires inflated 25% less than the pressure recommended by the manufacturer—usually displayed on a plaque on the driver’s door—can cut gas mileage.
• Be cautious. Don’t fall for Internet or other promotions for devices or additives that promise big fuel savings. If those devices really worked, their promoters would have sold them to car companies instead of pitching them online.

And of course, when it comes time to buy a new vehicle, look for something that offers mileage improvement while still meeting your needs. When you’re ready to shop, call or stop by SIU Credit Union for help with all your financing needs.