Looking for ways to conserve on gas or improve your car’s fuel efficiency with record high gas prices?
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Here are 10 tips from AAA, AAA Ohio Regional President Kevin Thomas and Steve Suffolk, owner of Towpath Motors in Peninsula:
Plan ahead and combine trips in your car so you don’t run out every time you need something.
Keeping your tires inflated to the manufacturer specifications (usually found on the inside of the driver’s side door) can improve gas mileage. Underinflated tires not only cost you more in fuel, they wear out prematurely and need to be replaced more often.
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Going faster than the recommended speed limits burns more gas.
Use apps like AAA’s mobile app or Gas Buddy to find the cheapest fuel.
If your car doesn't need premium fuel or if it's not recommended in an owner's manual, you might be overpaying for a level of fuel that's not necessary for the vehicle and doesn't boost your performance.
When first starting your car in hot weather, help your vehicle cool faster by driving with the windows open for a short time before turning on the air conditioner. While AC is the most economical option at highway speeds, consider rolling down the windows at lower speeds to save on fuel.
The less weight you carry in your vehicle, the better your mileage. Also, hauling cargo on the roof of your vehicle creates wind resistance and can significantly lower fuel economy.
Drivers who make a habit of rapid acceleration and hard braking waste a substantial amount of fuel, both on the highway and in city driving conditions.
Using cruise control for highway driving helps save gas by maintaining a constant speed.
Maintaining your car is one of the best ways to save on gas. That includes anything recommended in your maintenance schedule, including replacing air and fuel filters.
“A lot of people don't do that stuff because obviously it costs money and if (their) car's not broke, they don't fix it," Suffolk said. "That’s stuff a lot of people don't necessarily do but if your car is pushing 100,000 miles and your maintenance schedule says to do spark plugs, guess what? To get your optimal gas mileage, you're going to want to do spark plugs. That's just normal maintenance.
“Same thing with tires and brakes. If your car's running correctly, that's going to get you the most bang for your buck as far as fuel mileage goes.”
Staff writer Tawney Beans contributed to this report. Beacon Journal staff reporter Betty Lin-Fisher can be reached at 330-996-3724 or blinfisher@thebeaconjournal.com. Follow her @blinfisherABJ on Twitter or www.facebook.com/BettyLinFisherABJ To see her most recent stories and columns, go to www.tinyurl.com/bettylinfisher