Page 11 - Explore Your AAA – AAA Southern Pennsylvania – Summer 2022

EXPLORE | CARS & DRIVING SUMMER EDITION 2022
10 Ways AAA Members can Save at the Pump
During the summer months, gas stations switch to a more expensive summer blend of gasoline, which usually adds
7 to 10 cents per gallon, depending on the market. This happens annually and is usually completed by early June.
The way you drive directly affects your fuel economy. Speeding and rapidly accelerating from a stop increases gas consumption, whereas planning an efficient drive and maintaining a consistent speed within the posted limit can help you go farther on a tankful. Follow these 10 tips to get better gas mileage. You just may make fewer gas station stops and save money too.
1. Plan your trips. Map a route before you go to minimize unnecessary turnarounds and backtracking. Avoid peak traffic times. Combine errands and go to “one-stop shops” where you can do multiple tasks (banking, shopping, etc.).
2. Slow Down. As you drive faster, aerodynamic drag increases. By driving 60 mph instead of 70 mph during your 20-mile highway commute, you’ll save approximately 1.3 gallons of gas in a five-day workweek.
3. Drive conservatively. Avoid “jackrabbit” starts, rapid acceleration and hard braking, which can lower fuel economy by 15-30% at highway speeds and 10-40% in stop-and-go traffic.
4. Avoid excessive idling. A car engine consumes one quarter to one-half gallon of fuel per hour when idling, but a warm engine only takes around 10 seconds worth of fuel to restart. Where safe to do so, shut off your engine if you will be stopped for more than a minute.
5. Use a “fast pass” on toll roads. Having a pre-paid pass on toll roads allows you to use the express lane, saving fuel by minimizing or eliminating tollbooth slowdowns and stops.
6. Avoid rush hour. Take advantage of flex work hours to avoid commuting during peak traffic times.
7. Anticipate road conditions. Watch the traffic ahead and “time” stoplights to maintain momentum and avoid unnecessary stop and go.
8. Use cruise control. Driving at a consistent speed on the highway saves gas. However, never use cruise control on slippery roads as it could cause a loss of vehicle control.
9. Shift gears efficiently. If your car has a manual transmission, upshift as soon as practical. When coming to a stop, use the brakes. Do not downshift to slow the car.
10. Drive to warm the engine. In cold temperatures, start the engine and then drive the car normally to warm the engine. Driving brings the engine to operating temperature more rapidly and thus, saves gas.
Protect what matters
from the brand you trust.
This summer, switch to AAA Insurance and relax knowing you’re covered by America’s most trusted brands. Save up to 5% just for being a Member, up to 10% for how long you’ve been a Member, and up to 5% based on how long
you’ve been with your current insurer.
Scan for a quote
Call 1.800.222.1469 AAA.com/Insurance
Visit your local AAA office
Insurance provided by CSAA Insurance Group, a AAA Insurer.