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Many people buy cars based upon their speed, but did you know that you'll actually use less gas by keeping it under 65? If you don’t have a race to win, you'd do better to ease off the accelerator and follow these simple tips to maximize your mileage.
First of all, it is true you'll get better miles to the gallon if you take it slow. But the exact speed you should be traveling depends largely on the size of your vehicle--in fact, there's an equation devised for just this purpose. Typically, smaller, lighter cars have slightly higher optimal speeds (40-60 m.p.h.) than heaver cars like SUVs. But since you can't exactly go 45 on the interstate with your Explorer, make sure to travel light--excess weight can put a damper on your mileage. Each additional 100 lbs can drain 2 percent of your miles per gallon, according to this seeming encyclopedia of fuel economy.
And keep your eyes on the road, too--your driving counts. Avoid sharp stops and starts; they're a major drain on your gas tank. While we're talking efficiency, roll up those windows when you're on the highway and crank up the AC. That’s right--and this has fantastic I-told-you-so potential to younger drivers--you actually waste more fuel due to drag with open windows than you do with a little AC blowing.
Try not to idle if you can avoid it, as a steady pace means less strain on the tank. And if you do get stuck at a red, don't rev your engine while you're waiting (unless you're in the Indy 500--then by all means, you've earned it). And it's not just because you're annoying everyone within earshot, it's because you’re guzzling gas with your feigned acceleration. Honest.
Finally, if you're thinking forward to a future of careful cruising, you'll want to consider manual shifting autos and hybrids, which get better mileage by default, though most of these pointers still apply.
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