Save Money at the Pump

With gas prices spiking to a national average of $4.56 (and over $6 in California), filling up is hitting wallets harder than ever. While you can’t control the global market, you have more power over your fuel costs than you think.

By making these simple adjustments, you can offset the “war premium” and keep more cash in your pocket:

1. Lighten the Load

Every 100 pounds of extra weight in your car reduces mileage by 1%. More importantly, remove roof-mounted cargo boxes when not in use; they can tank your fuel economy by up to 17% due to wind resistance.

2. Slow Down and Smooth Out

Fuel efficiency drops rapidly once you cross 50 mph.

• The Math: Driving 70 mph instead of 60 mph saves 10 minutes but costs you an extra 64 cents per gallon.
• The Habits: Avoid aggressive braking and rapid acceleration. This “jackrabbit” driving can waste up to 40% of your fuel in stop-and-go traffic. Use cruise control to maintain a steady pace.

3. Stop the Idle

If you’re waiting for more than 10 seconds, turn off the engine. Idling can burn up to a half-gallon of gas per hour—restarting is actually more efficient.

4. Optimize Cooling & Maintenance

• Air Conditioning: On hot days, roll the windows down briefly to let heat escape before cranking the AC, which can reduce efficiency by 25%.
• Tires & Oil: Check your door jamb for the correct PSI. Underinflated tires make your engine work harder. Also, stick to the manufacturer’s recommended oil grade to boost mileage by another 2%.
• Small changes behind the wheel add up to big savings at the tank!