Go for cruise control.
"Plan a route that lets you travel at constant speed and bypass congested areas," AAA spokesman Mantill Williams said. That means avoiding those two-lane roads rife with stoplights. If you have an automatic transmission, use an overdrive gear at cruising speeds, said Jim Kliesch, a research associate at the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy.
A lead foot is heavy on the wallet.
Slamming on the gas or the brake lacks a certain grace. But more than that, it wastes gas and creates the same amount of carbon monoxide emissions as 30 minutes of steady driving, Kliesch said.
Speed and your gas tank will bleed.
Once you hit the open road, think twice before pretending you're on the Autobahn. If you drive at 70 miles per hour instead of 55 mph, you'll lose 17 percent of your car's fuel economy, according to ACEEE. Driving 65 miles per hour isn't much better either. You'll lose nearly 10 percent in fuel economy.
Don't buy what you don't need.
Premium, high-octane fuels aren't necessarily better for your car just because they're premium, high-octane fuel. In fact, such fuels don't provide any greater fuel efficiency, Kliesch said, and many cars are designed to use regular low-octane fuel. So check your owner's manual to see what your car requires.
Be cool about keeping cool.
If you really must park in the sun, don't jack up the air conditioner as soon as you get back in the car. Drive for a bit with the windows down to let out the excess heat first, Kliesch said. Otherwise, the A/C will serve as a drag on the engine's efficiency.
Early to rise, early to save.
Plan your driving so you avoid the morning and afternoon rush hours. You'll save gas . . . and your temper.
Lose the junk in your trunk.
For every 100 pounds of excess weight in your trunk, your car loses 1 percent of fuel economy, Kliesch said. So pack light.
Pamper your-four-wheeled pet.
Keeping your tires inflated is a quick way to insure your get the best gas mileage. For every 3 pounds your tires are below their recommended pressure, your fuel economy drops 1 percent, Kliesch said. And the harder your car has to work, the more visits you'll make to the gas station. That's why it's always smart to have your car's oil, transmission and spark plugs checked before a road trip.
Pamper yourself.
If you're taking a vacation road trip, consider a destination that doesn't require that your drive everywhere once you've arrived, Williams suggested. Pedestrian-friendly locations are worth considering, as are cities with good public transit options. Otherwise, you'll spend more money on gas, a lot of energy in traffic, and less time getting the rest you need.
By Jeanne Sahadi, CNN/Money.com Staff Writer
This article was originally published in August, 2002. It has been updated.
