5 On Your Side

5 On Your Side: 5 simple ways to improve gas mileage

If you're running low and can't find gas right now, 5 On Your Side's Monica Laliberte shares some ways to reduce how much gas you use.

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By
Monica Laliberte
, WRAL executive producer/5 On Your Side reporter
RALEIGH, N.C. — It's top of the mind right now. Everyone's watching our gas gauge, seeing long lines and closed pumps.

The Colonial Pipeline is working to get fully back online, and they're already driving supplies where needed.

Until things are settled, here are five ways to improve fuel efficiency this week – and into the summer.

1. Minimize idling

While waiting in line for fuel, you end up wasting a lot of it.

Experts say if you have to sit more than a minute, turn off the engine.

Many newer cars have an eco-friendly mode that will automatically shut off the engine when idling.

Also, the heavier your car, the more gas it uses idling.

2. Slow down on the highway

Consumer Reports compared gas mileage driving at different speeds.

They found going 55 mph instead of 65 mph saved six extra miles per gallon when in a car – and eight miles per gallon in an SUV.

On the flip side, going 75 mph instead of 65 mph zapped almost seven miles per gallon from the car and six in the SUV.

Those differences are significant when you're trying to make your gas last.

3. Avoid sudden starts and stops

While starts and stops don't have as much impact as speed, tests show that quickly accelerating and slamming the brakes can drain mileage by two to three miles per gallon.

4. Clear the roof

Carrying stuff on top of the your car can cost extra gas when traveling at higher speeds.

Experts say more than 50% of engine power goes into overcoming aerodynamic drag, which uses fuel.

5. Turn off the A/C

When the weather gets hot, using A/C can cost as much as four miles per gallon.

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