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Gas-Saving Tips for the Memorial Day Weekend

Memorial Day weekend travelers are bound to face high prices at the pump. Edmunds.com offers the following tips to help consumers save money on gas by getting better gas mileage during road trips.

"Even with today's gas prices, a road trip can be an affordable vacation, provided consumers take a few easy steps to get the most gas mileage out of their cars," said Karl Brauer, Editor in Chief. "We can't control the price of gas, but we can control how we take care of our cars and how we drive, both of which are key factors in getting better fuel economy."

10 Tips for Better Gas Mileage:

  1. Follow the Recommended Maintenance -- A well-maintained vehicle will operate more efficiently. Fouled spark plugs, dirty air filters and clogged fuel filters will diminish fuel economy.

  2. Keep Tires Properly Inflated -- Under-inflated tires require more energy to roll; properly inflated tires can improve fuel economy by as much as three percent.

  3. Take a Load Off -- Heavier vehicles require more energy to move. Pack light and remove unnecessary items from the car.

  4. Don't Drive Aggressively -- Hitting the gas pedal hard after stopping, slamming on the brakes and speeding all decrease fuel efficiency.

  5. Use the Highest Gear Possible -- Lower gears use more power, so manual transmission drivers should switch to a higher gear when driving at a steady speed, and automatic transmission drivers should avoid using "sport" mode.

  6. Use Cruise Control Selectively -- Cruise control is a great asset on flat roads, but isn't the most efficient on hilly terrain.

  7. Think Clean -- Keeping your car washed and waxed improves its aerodynamics, thereby improving fuel efficiency. On a long trip, a quick run through a gas station car wash might more than pay for itself.

  8. Avoid Excessive Idling -- An idling car burns fuel. Whenever possible, turn your car off while waiting, and try to avoid drive-through windows and long toll booth lines.

  9. Think Before You Ventilate -- Air conditioning consumes more fuel, while rolled down windows decreases aerodynamics. Roll down windows when in slow-moving traffic; use the air conditioner when traveling at high speeds.

  10. Combine Your Errands -- Cold engines use more fuel than warm engines. Combining errands means the engine will be warmer for more of the trip.