Atlantic Blog

We all know that driving less is the easiest way to save money on gas. But that's not very helpful or practical in real life! Here are some tips you can start using today to improve fuel efficiency and save money in the long run.   

1. Watch your speed/slow down

Speeding up, slowing down, and then accelerating again will waste gas. According to the US Department of Energy, inconsistent speed can lower your gas mileage by roughly 15% to 30% at highway speeds and 10% to 40% in stop-and-go traffic.  

2. Go the speed limit and use cruise control

Gas mileage rapidly decreases at speeds above 50 mph. According to a study, each five mph you drive over 50 mph is like paying an additional $0.34 per gallon for gas! You can also maintain speed by using cruise control.  

3. Take advantage of public transit and carpooling

Going along with the "drive less" mantra, carpooling or using safe public transit is better for the environment, your car, and your wallet.   

4. Plan ahead

Avoid backtracking by planning stops and combining errands. Streamlining your trips will save you gas and time!  

5. Avoid traffic (if possible)

If you can, flex work hours to avoid traffic or plan vacation driving during off-hours. The more you sit idle in traffic, the more fuel is wasted.  

6. Use the Auto-Off Engine setting

If you have this function, use it! Idling for just 10 seconds wastes more fuel than restarting the engine.   

7. Keep up with maintenance

Are your tires properly inflated? Is your machine running at top efficiency? Keep up with care to maximize those miles.  

8. Turn the A/C on "re-circulation" mode

An air-conditioning (a/c) system can increase fuel consumption by up to 20% because of the extra load on the engine. Using the re-circulation setting re-cools the same air, making the car do less work.   

9. Shop around

Don't wait until you're running on empty to get gas! Take your time, shop around, and use apps like GasBuddy to find the best deals near you.  

10. Switch to a hybrid or electric vehicle

Switching from a 2021 Ford F150 Pickup 2WD to the same truck as a hybrid saves $14 per week. While that may not seem like a lot, it's almost $750 over a year and around $7,500 in a decade! Compare what you could save using this Fuel Cost Calculator. When you're ready to make the switch, talk to an expert at Atlantic.   

11. Shop your Auto Insurance

When was the last time you shopped around for your auto insurance? While this may not be a gas-saving tip, a simple phone call with an Atlantic Insurance Agent could save you hundreds on your yearly cost.  

As gas prices continue to hit shocking highs, incorporating one or more of these tips into your everyday routine can help soften the blow to your wallet.   

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