AAA Has Gas-Saving Tips, Online Fuel Price Finder

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Jim Rink (313) 336-1513


Motorists planning a summer driving trip may take advantage of a free AAA service – the AAA Fuel Price Finder – available online at www.aaa.com.

The Web site features AAA’s Fuel Gauge Report and a link to the Fuel Price Finder. Using ZIP code or city name, Fuel Price Finder locates gas stations within a 3-, 5-, or 10-mile radius and list the current prices.

As the summer travel season winds down, higher gas prices may also spur motorists to conserve fuel. For energy-conscious consumers, AAA Michigan offers these "gas-saving" tips:

• Slow down. Even a five-mile-per-hour decrease in speed can affect your gas mileage. Watch your tachometer to gauge engine performance.
   
• Keep tires properly inflated. Under-inflated tires can cut fuel economy by a half percent per pound of pressure below recommended levels.
   
• Give your car a full tune-up, as recommended by the manufacturer, including a regular oil and oil filter change. A poorly tuned engine can increase fuel consumption by up to 50 percent or more.
   
• Do not purchase mid-grade or premium gasoline unless it is considered necessary by the vehicle’s manufacturer. Using self-serve regular fuel compared to premium can save an average of 17 cents per gallon.
   
• Don’t let the vehicle idle for more than a minute. Idling consumes half -a-gallon to one gallon of gas per hour and wastes more fuel than restarting the engine.
   
• Accelerate gently, brake gradually and avoid hard stops.
   
• Combine errands into one trip or go to the one location to take care of as many errands as possible.
   
• When traveling, avoid excess weight and reduce use of car top carriers and trailers. Additional weight and vehicle add-ons have a negative effect on aerodynamics, causing engines to work harder and burn more gas.
   
• Car pool when possible.
   
• Travel during off-peak times, avoiding rush hour.
   
• Check the engine oil level when buying gas to be sure the engine is lubricated properly.
   
• Large trucks -- which pull heavy loads and are less aerodynamic than cars -- see even greater gains in fuel efficiency with decreased speed. For every 1 mph increase above 55 mph, fuel efficiency generally decreases 2.2 percent.