AAA's Gas Saving Tips for Sport Utility Vehicles

6 November 1997

    SAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 6 -- "Sport utility
vehicles -- 'America's new passion on wheels' -- can take a bite out of your
credit card," said AAA's Northern California spokesman Ron Kennedy.
    Gas guzzling sport utility vehicles (SUV's) are increasing in popularity
throughout the United States, despite their lack of fuel efficiency, according
to recent news reports.
    SUV's, pickups and minivans account for almost one of every two vehicles
on the road today, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.  Half of
these vehicles, however, get less than 20 mpg, and the rest are near that
mark, according to the EPA.
    To help motorists reduce gasoline costs, AAA offers these tips:

    Conserving Gasoline
    * Keep your car in top-running condition.  An out-of-tune vehicle can use
3 to 8 percent more fuel.
    * Avoid extended idling to warm up the engine.  Idling consumes a
half-gallon to a gallon of gas per hour.  (Check your owner's manual for
proper procedures.)
    * Check tires for accurate pressure.  Under-inflated tires can reduce fuel
efficiency by 2 percent for each pound below the recommended level.
    * Outline your routes so you can travel at constant speeds and bypass
congested areas.
    * Plan meal stops to coincide with peak traffic periods.
    * Use the air conditioner sparingly.  Severe use dramatically reduces fuel
economy.
    * Do not over-pack your vehicle.  Additional weight reduces gas mileage,
(check owner's manual for loading recommendations.)

    Buying the Right Fuel
    Many motorists buy higher-priced gasoline when it's not necessary.  "Most
of today's cars are designed to run on regular-unleaded fuel.  Unless your
owner's manual explicitly states that you use super-unleaded gasoline, use
regular-unleaded fuel when filling up," said Dick Kesterke, AAA's Northern
California Manager of Automotive Technical Services.  "On average,
super-unleaded costs 17 to 20 cents more per gallon than regular-unleaded
gas," Kesterke added.
    The AAA-affiliate in northern California, Nevada and Utah serves nearly
4 million members with an array of automotive, travel, and insurance services.

SOURCE  AAA