ATLANTA — As gas prices increase, drivers may be scrambling to find the cheapest gas in metro Atlanta.
There are ways to make your tank of gas last longer. Here are some tips 11Alive previously reported that can help drivers anytime they see a surge in prices at the pump.
Clean out your trunk
Before you head out, it might be a good idea to clean out your trunk first, as traveling light can save you money
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, an extra 100 pounds in your car reduces your fuel efficiency by 2%.
Make sure your tires are fully inflated
Tires that are low on air create resistance, so your engine has to work harder.
The Department of Energy estimates that keeping your tires at the recommended pressure can improve your gas mileage by up to 3%.
Avoid idling
Unnecessary idling can burn up to a half-gallon of fuel per hour, the Department of Energy said.
AAA recommends drivers turn off their engines if they are not using their cars for more than a minute.
Many newer cars have automatic shutoff features that do the thinking for you.
Don’t engage in excessive speeding
According to a study by the Oak Ridge National Laboratory, driving 55 miles per hour instead of 50 miles per hour is like paying an additional 24 cents a gallon for gas.
Finally, avoid quick starts and hard stops while driving.
The Department of Energy says aggressive driving can lower your gas mileage by up to 30% on the highway and 40% in town.