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Saving Money at the Pump
How to Cut Fuel Costs
By Melissa Granberry
With the price of gasoline constantly changing, how do we keep our family fuel budget in check? Though we can't control the price of gas, there are several ways to save money on fuel. According to the American Automobile Association (AAA), what vehicle you drive, how it's maintained, where you drive and how you drive are the most important factors in conserving fuel, not to mention keeping your family safe behind the wheel.
If you're shopping for a new car, now is the time to think about fuel costs. Picking a fuel-efficient vehicle can add up to big savings over the life of the car. To help you choose a vehicle, log on to www.fueleconomy.gov and compare estimated annual fuel costs on various models of cars and trucks. Fuel-efficient vehicles can be found in every class of car, so there should be a vehicle to meet both your lifestyle and budget needs.
AAA lists some options that may impact fuel consumption and should be considered when shopping for a new vehicle:
- Four-wheel drive vehicles may use more gasoline than others.
- Smaller engines usually provide better gas mileage.
- Cruise control may impact fuel efficiency if you do most of your driving on the highway.
- Light colors on the exterior and interior, as well as tinted windows, can lower heat levels inside the car and reduce the need for air conditioning.
- When buying trucks, vans or SUVs, look for models with shorter beds, smaller cargo areas or abbreviated cab space. They are generally lighter and consume less fuel.
Maintenance MattersWant to see more?
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