4th of July weekend is fast upon us and as we're about to embark on the second of our large summer weekend holidays and travel, here are some useful tips from the Federal Trade Commission to save on fuel when you travel.
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Don't drive over the speed limit. Gas mileage decreases at speeds over 60 miles per hour.
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Drive gently. By not stopping and starting and by anticipating traffice movement, you can save up to 5% on gas mileage.
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Combine errands and make fewer trips in the car. Each extra trip starting with a cold engine can use twice as much fuel.
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Use overdrive gears and cruise control when appropriate.
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Remove excess weight from the trunk. An extra 100 pounds can reduce fuel economy by 2%. So pack lightly!
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Keep your roof clear, if possible, as a loaded roof rack or carrier can decrease fuel economy by 5% as a result of wind resistance.
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Inflate and allign your tires properly to save up to another 3% in fuel economy.
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Replace air filters regularly, as clogged filters can cause a 10% decrease in mileage.