With record-high gasoline prices, you want to squeeze every mile out of each gallon. Here are three money-saving tips from Jennifer Stockburger, director of operations at Consumer Reports Auto Test Center.
- Check your tire pressure. If your tires are under-inflated, the rolling resistance, the energy needed to keep them rolling is higher, which reduces fuel economy.
- Remove any add-ons that increase drag. “When you have things like bike racks, roof racks, all of those things alter that flow of air over that car,” Stockburger said. Remove the ski racks. If you have a bike rack that you don’t plan to use for a couple of weeks, take it off. Consumer Reports found that even an empty bike rack can reduce fuel economy by 2 to 5 miles per gallon.
- Pump the right gas for your car. Save money, and skip premium gas unless it is “required” by your automaker. You don’t need to pump premium if it’s simply recommended.
More Info: 10 Tips to Get the Most out of a Tank of Gas
