Get the most from your gas money

On the road

• Avoid rapid acceleration.

• Avoid hard braking and sudden stops. Stay alert and anticipate traffic lights, stop signs and merges.

• Drive more slowly. One study reported at least a 20 percent loss in fuel economy as speed was increased from 55 to 75 mph.

• Remove extra weight from the car; 100 pounds may cost 1 mile per gallon. Pack lightly for trips.

• Use cruise control on highway trips.

• Do not warm up the engine before driving. It is not necessary, even in cold weather.

• For any stop you expect to last more than a minute, shut off your engine rather than letting it idle.

• Do not rev the engine before shutting it off.

• Reduce the use of your air conditioner at low speeds. But when driving over 40 mph, the use of your air conditioner costs less fuel than having the windows open.

• Park in the shade and/or leave windows open slightly to reduce the need for air conditioning.

• Bike or walk whenever possible.

• Carpool when you can — even when buying groceries. Take turns running errands for yourself and your neighbors.

• Plan your route. Know all the places you plan to go and organize your stops to avoid retracing your path.

• If you drive more than one car, use the one that uses the least amount of gasoline as much as possible.

• Remove bike racks and luggage racks when not in use. They can increase wind resistance and waste fuel.

• Schedule driving to avoid rush hours whenever possible. This saves time, energy and frustration. Use routes with a minimum number of traffic lights and stop signs.

• Replace air and fuel filters regularly as instructed by your vehicle's maintenance manual. Change air filters more often if driving in dusty conditions.

• Keep the engine properly tuned.

• Use API certified "energy conserving" motor oil. Use the service classification and viscosity specified for your vehicle.