NEW CAR PRICES AND RESEARCH

Check out the following twelve tips, then try a few that can be easily adapted to your driving and maintenance habits.

• Be a light foot: Smooth driving is an easy way to improve fuel economy. Hard starts and stops are wasteful. Look ahead and plan ahead: don't race up to a red light only to stop and wait for it to change.
  
  
• Keep a log: Track fuel economy changes so you have a means of comparison. Check your gas mileage every time you fill up. Note new techniques to see if they work. A consistent, year-round log is best because winter weather can lower fuel economy. A fuel economy log is a great way to keep track of maintenance schedules. If you notice that mileage figures are falling, it's probably time for a tune-up.
  
  
• Good inflation: Drivers waste millions of gallons of fuel each year due to under-inflated tires. Maintaining optimum tire inflation is one of the best things you can do to increase fuel economy. Inflate your tires to the upper limit of the manufacturer's recommendations. Check tire pressure when the tires are cold for accurate, consistent readings. Invest in a quality tire gauge like a dial model with a bleeder valve.
  
  
• Weight watchers: It obviously takes more energy (gas) to move a heavier object. Inspect your trunk and remove any unnecessary junk. Don't carry chains in the summer. When it snows, keep the snow off the roof and trunk of your car. Snow can be very heavy. Slush around the wheel wells is also very heavy.