Travel Tips

Travel Tip: Saving Fuel this Summer

Steering Wheel DriverWith gas prices averaging more than $3.80 a gallon these days, it’s hard to imagine taking long road trips this summer. But there are some effective ways to save at the pump.

There are common-sense tips like keeping your car tuned up and your tires inflated. But you might think that keeping your engine on through a drive-through, instead of parking and walking inside, would save fuel. Not so. Fifteen minutes of an idle engine can waste an average of a quarter of a gallon of gas.

That said, a cold engine is not efficient. If you have several stops to make, do it in one trip instead of spreading it out so the engine can remain at operating temperature.

If you’re only planning to drive fewer than 100 miles in a day, consider renting an electric car, which are available through agencies like Enterprise and Hertz.

Hybrids can be a great solution, but consider where you’re driving. Many hybrids get better gas mileage in the city than on the highway.

And last, but not least, pay attention to when you fill up. Although it’s not foolproof, gas prices tend to drop on Wednesdays, and surge over the weekend.

For more information, visit the Driving & Car Rental Archives.

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