Memorial Day Weekend Gas-Saving Tips From Edmunds.com

SANTA MONICA, Calif., May 24, 2005 -- Memorial Day weekend travelers are bound to face high prices at the pump. Edmunds.com, the premier online resource for automotive information, offers the following tips to help consumers save money on gas by getting better gas mileage during road trips. The full article can be found HERE.

"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, Edmunds.com 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.