By Seven Weaver Producer
Consumer Reports
Whether you’re headed on vacation or just headed to work, Consumer Reports tests show several moves can add up to real savings at the pump.Consumer Reports
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Stumble It!Figure that you could be losing two to three miles per gallon of gas if you accelerate hard or brake abruptly, so drive smoothly. Even more important, try driving 55. Tests in a Toyota Camry at 65 mph cut fuel efficiency by five miles per gallon. Traveling even faster—at 75—testers lost another five miles per gallon. That’s 10 miles less per gallon of gas! That can really add up!
Skip premium fuel if you can. Consumer Reports finds that most cars run just fine on regular, even if premium is recommended. Your owner’s manual will tell you if your car can handle either grade.
Replacing tires with ones that are highly rated by Consumer Reports and have a low rolling resistance can save you more than $100 a year.
And while a car-top carrier is handy, once you’re done with it, take it off. Keeping your tires properly inflated will also give you better gas mileage, so make a point of checking your tires once a month.
Which cars get the best gas mileage? Although the Toyota Prius still tops Consumer Reports’ list, there are several non-hybrids that make the Top 10. You’ll find the complete list free of charge at: www.consumerreports.org/cro/cars/new-cars/buying-advice/most-fuelefficient-cars-206/index.htm.
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