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AAA’s BEST THINGS YOU CAN DO TO IMPROVE YOUR VEHICLE’S FUEL EFFICIENCY
- Lighten the load. A loaded roof rack increases aerodynamic drag and can cut gas mileage by 5%. Also, watch the amount of weight inside the vehicle. For every extra 100 pounds of weight, your fuel economy is cut by 1 to 2%
- Use the vehicle’s air conditioner only when necessary. Using the A/C increases your fuel consumption by 10%.
- Check & replace air filters regularly. You’ll improve your gas mileage by as much as 10%.
- Keep tires properly inflated – improve gas mileage by as much as 3%.
- Use the recommended grade of motor oil – improve mileage by as much as 1 to 2%.
- Keep engine properly tuned – improve mileage by as much as 4%.
- Check your oxygen sensor – replacing a bad one can improve your gas mileage by as much as 40%.
- Plan your route carefully – several short trips taken from a cold start can use twice as much fuel as a longer, multi-stop trip of the same distance with a warm engine.
- Don’t speed – each 5 mph increase above 60 mph is like paying an additional 10 cents a gallon for gasoline.
- Avoid aggressive driving, sudden stops and jack-rabbit starts. Aggressive driving can lower your gas mileage by 33% at highway speeds and 5% in town.
More fuel-saving tips from AAA South Dakota:
• Check your fuel filter and spark plugs and replace as needed.
• Don’t top off your gas tank when fueling up. In warm weather, fuel expansion can cause overflow.
• Make sure your gas cap fits tightly.
• Avoid idling.
• Use cruise control.
• Shop by phone to avoid unnecessary trips.
• Only use premium fuel if your owner’s manual states you should.
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