Watch your driving technique

You may have to put the cell phone down for this one, but paying closer attention to the driving conditions around you can really be worth it.

• Drive 55. When on the highway, drive the speed limit or even five miles below it—as close to 55, max, as you safely can (there’s a reason the U.S. government lowered speed limits during the last gas crisis). AAA estimates that driving slower can boost mileage by five percent.
• Don’t stop and start. Avoid abruptly stopping and starting; accelerating from a standstill requires extra fuel. Instead, be aware of the timing of red lights so you can slowly coast to the light and reach it as it turns green—without coming to a full stop.
• Use cruise control. Where traffic and road conditions allow it, automatic fuel use is much more waste-free than trying to maintain a constant speed using your lead foot.
• A/C on? Crack the windows—slightly. This will give hot air a place to escape, helping your car’s interior cool down more efficiently, which reduces the fuel needed. And use the re-circulation function instead of constantly sucking in new hot air from outside the vehicle (which then has to be cooled down from scratch).
• Switch to a synthetic motor oil. Synthetics like Amsoil may give you a slight bump in mileage.

Gas-Saving Road Trip Tips