AAA's Gas Saving Tips for Sport Utility Vehicles
6 November 1997
AAA's Gas Saving Tips for Sport Utility VehiclesSAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 6 -- "Sport utility vehicles -- 'America's new passion on wheels' -- can take a bite out of your credit card," said AAA's Northern California spokesman Ron Kennedy. Gas guzzling sport utility vehicles (SUV's) are increasing in popularity throughout the United States, despite their lack of fuel efficiency, according to recent news reports. SUV's, pickups and minivans account for almost one of every two vehicles on the road today, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Half of these vehicles, however, get less than 20 mpg, and the rest are near that mark, according to the EPA. To help motorists reduce gasoline costs, AAA offers these tips: Conserving Gasoline * Keep your car in top-running condition. An out-of-tune vehicle can use 3 to 8 percent more fuel. * Avoid extended idling to warm up the engine. Idling consumes a half-gallon to a gallon of gas per hour. (Check your owner's manual for proper procedures.) * Check tires for accurate pressure. Under-inflated tires can reduce fuel efficiency by 2 percent for each pound below the recommended level. * Outline your routes so you can travel at constant speeds and bypass congested areas. * Plan meal stops to coincide with peak traffic periods. * Use the air conditioner sparingly. Severe use dramatically reduces fuel economy. * Do not over-pack your vehicle. Additional weight reduces gas mileage, (check owner's manual for loading recommendations.) Buying the Right Fuel Many motorists buy higher-priced gasoline when it's not necessary. "Most of today's cars are designed to run on regular-unleaded fuel. Unless your owner's manual explicitly states that you use super-unleaded gasoline, use regular-unleaded fuel when filling up," said Dick Kesterke, AAA's Northern California Manager of Automotive Technical Services. "On average, super-unleaded costs 17 to 20 cents more per gallon than regular-unleaded gas," Kesterke added. The AAA-affiliate in northern California, Nevada and Utah serves nearly 4 million members with an array of automotive, travel, and insurance services. SOURCE AAA