AAA Offers Tips to Increase Gas Mileage

Gas prices are hitting an all-time February high - and with the current Philadelphia-area retail average price per gallon at $3.70 and heading higher, many anxious drivers are looking for ways to save.

 “Every driver is impacted by the increased cost of fuel,” said Jenny M. Robinson, Manager of Public and Government Affairs for AAA Mid-Atlantic.  “There are several easy things drivers can do to stretch each tank of gas and find the lowest fuel prices when it is time to fill up.”

Pennsylvania is expected to be the biggest gas price hotspot in the country, with dramatic increases possible in the spring due to local refinery shutdowns and other factors.  AAA analysts are forecasting March 15th through May 15th will be a critical time to watch gas prices.  Consumers could pay up to $4.25 a gallon. Motorists looking to save money on gas can take advantage of various AAA online and mobile resources:

·         The Fuel Price Finder: www.aaa.com/gas

·         The Fuel Cost Calculator: www.fuelcostcalculator.aaa.com

·         The TripTik® travel planner: www.aaa.com/travel

·         AAA TripTik Smartphone App allows you to locate updated fuel prices from wherever you are, Download the AAA TripTik App here.

AAA provides these fuel-saving tips and advice to drivers:  

Properly inflate tires

Only 17 percent of cars have all four tires properly inflated, yet the U.S. Department of Energy reports that proper tire inflation can improve fuel economy by up to three percent. Check tire pressures at least once a month, and also make sure it’s done correctly; a survey found 85 percent of motorists don’t know how to properly check tire pressures. Check the pressures when the tires are cold and have not been driven recently. Tires should be inflated to levels recommended by the vehicle manufacturer, not the pressure levels stamped on the tire sidewall. The proper pressure levels can be found on a sticker on the driver’s side door jamb or in the owner’s manual.

Be gentle on the gas and brake pedals

One of the easiest and most effective ways to conserve fuel is to change driving styles. Instead of making quick starts and sudden stops, go easy on the gas and brake pedals. If there is a red light ahead, ease off the gas and coast up to it rather than waiting until the last second to brake. Once the light turns green, gently accelerate rather than making a quick start. The U.S. Department of Energy reports aggressive driving can lower a car’s fuel economy by up to 33 percent.

Let AAA find lowest gas prices

AAA’s TripTik smartphone app provides motorists with the most current and accurate gas price data available, by drawing on credit card transactions at more than 100,000 stations nationwide. The AAA app’s GPS technology enables users to quickly locate stations on a map and see the price for all available grades of gasoline. Download the AAA TripTik App here.

Drive the speed limit

Slowing down to observe the speed limit is safer and can conserve fuel. The U.S. Department of Energy reports that each 5 mph driven over 60 mph is like paying an additional $0.24 per gallon for gas. Leave yourself plenty of time to reach your destination to avoid feeling rushed so you can arrive safely and with a little more fuel in the tank.

Plan errands in advance

When running errands, try to combine multiple tasks into one trip. Several short trips starting with a cold engine each time can use twice as much gas as a longer multipurpose trip covering the same distance when the engine is warm. Also, plan the route in advance to drive the fewest miles. Online mapping tools such as AAA’s TripTik Travel Planner are available to help plan routes and are free to all motorists at AAA.com.

Lighten the load

A heavier vehicle uses more fuel. Lighten your vehicle by cleaning out the trunk, cargo areas and passenger compartments. Also try to avoid using a car’s roof rack to transport luggage or other equipment—especially over long distances on the highway. A loaded roof rack affects the vehicle aerodynamics and creates extra drag that reduces fuel economy.

Keep up-to-date on vehicle maintenance

Keeping a car running properly helps achieve maximum fuel economy. Be sure to follow the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule, and do not ignore vehicle warning lights that indicate something is wrong. Warning lights can signal problems that will greatly decrease a car’s fuel efficiency. Motorists seeking a trustworthy repair shop to help maintain their vehicle for winter and spring driving are encouraged to visit one of AAA Mid-Atlantic’s newly opened AAA Car Care, Insurance and Travel Centers in Clifton Heights and Wayne, PA, Toms River, NJ, or one of AAA’s more than 8,000 Approved Auto Repair facilities.

Stretch your gas money

Members who pay for gasoline with their AAA Member Rewards Visa® credit card receive double points on gas purchases.  Members also receive one point for every dollar they spend, triple points on AAA and all travel purchases and double points on gas, grocery and drug store purchases.  Members can redeem points for cash, travel or gift cards.  The card may not be available in all areas.  Members can apply for the AAA Member Rewards Visa® credit card at AAA.com/creditcard.