The following ideas might help as well. They come from Edmunds.com, which offers tips on saving fuel, keeping your car well maintained and getting the most out of your vehicle:
• Cut The AC
Driving with the windows open instead of using the air conditioner can boost fuel economy by 9.5 percent.
• Drop The Tailgate
In a test run by the Web site, driving a pickup truck with the tailgate down (with cruise control set for 65 mph) brought a 1 percent improvement in fuel economy.
• Don't Idle
A car gets zero miles per gallon while it sits motionless with the engine running.
• Plan Your Trips
Since engines don't operate at maximum efficiency until warmed up, try to map out your errands so that you drive to your farthest destination first and then make your other stops on the way home. Driving two or three miles and then stopping and letting the car cool down before making another short trip wastes fuel.
• Stay On Top Of Maintenance
Out-of-spec suspension alignments, clogged air filters and underinflated tires cut fuel efficiency. Be sure to bring your car in for regular maintenance, especially if the "check engine light" is on.
As a final tip, remember to follow maintenance recommendations in your car's owner's manual. Something as basic as adding heavier-weight oil, like 10W-40 rather than the automaker-recommended 10W-20, can affect fuel efficiency.
For more information, visit www.edmunds.com.
