8 TIPS TO GETTING MORE OUT OF EVERY TANK OF GAS

The change of seasons is a good time to make some changes in your driving habits to boost fuel economy.  Some advice, like heeding the speed limit and keeping tires inflated at the recommended pressure, you’ve likely heard.  But others may not be obvious. Citi and ExxonMobil offer the following lesser known tips to help you get the most from every tank of gas:

• Reduce drag: Waxing and cleaning your car keeps it smooth and reduces aerodynamic drag to improve gas mileage. To further keep your car streamlined, remove luggage racks and keep sun roofs and windows closed.
  
  
• Keep it capped: After you fill up at the pump, make sure your gas cap is fully closed.  Up to 147 million gallons of fuel vaporize every year in the United States due to improperly sealed gas caps.
  
  
• Look ahead:  Accelerate before you reach a hill, rather than while you are on it.
  
  
• Utilize your garage for parking: Parking your car in the garage will help keep it warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer, which then reduces the need to turn on the gas-consuming heater or air conditioner.
   
• Change air filters: Replacing a dirty air filter will improve gas mileage by as much 10%, as well as prevent damage to your engine.
  
  
• Lighten the load: In large SUVs and min-vans, remove unneeded third row seating, which can weigh over 100 pounds and require extra gas.
  
  
• Avoid rough roads: Dirt and gravel on rough roads can consume up to 30% of your gas mileage, so opt for paved roads whenever possible.

Source: Citi and ExxonMobil