Get the Junk Out of the Trunk; Improve Gas Mileage

Unless your name is Bill Gates or Warren Buffet, you probably cringe every time you have to fill the tank at the gas station.

And, it appears gasoline prices will not be decreasing any time soon.

“While gas prices have been the highest on record for this time of year, consumers should get used to paying these higher prices as with spring comes a switch to a summer blend of gasoline and another rise in gas prices,” said Beth Mosher, director of public affairs for AAA Chicago in a news release.  

Rather than getting angry, drivers should be aware they have some control to improve their vehicle’s gas mileage.

While, there may be some cursing while filling the tank, drivers shouldn’t drive away angry from the station. Aggressive driving wastes gasoline, according to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). Speeding, rapid acceleration and braking uses more gasoline than just cruising along—it’s not safe either.

Driving aggressively can lower your gas mileage as much as 33 percent at highway speeds and by 5 percent around town, or roughly $0.18–$1.16 per gallon, according to the DOE.

And, if you have some junk in the trunk, you should be sure to lighten your load. According to the department, carrying an extra 100 pounds in your vehicle can increase your gas mileage as much as two percent. Emptying the trunk will have more mileage impact in a small car, as opposed to a larger vehicle.

Driving the highways, it’s pretty common to see people speeding, but let them; they are just burning money, according to the department. Gas mileage typically decreases at speeds above 60 mph. For every 5 mph driven over 60 mph, it is like paying an additional $0.24 per gallon for gas. And, at about $3.70 gallon, that adds up.

Families with more than one vehicle should consider using the more fuel-efficient vehicle as much as possible, especially if one of the vehicles is a truck or SUV, according to AAA. And, if you aren’t already trying to consolidate trips and plan the most efficient route, now is the time to start.

Other tips for better gas mileage include:

• Getting your engine tuned.
• Keeping tires properly inflated.
• Using the proper grade of oil.

Source: U.S. Department of Energy