Save gas and stay safe on the road with tips from Centerline Drivers

On March 14, the average price of regular gasoline in the US was $4.43 per gallon. Diesel was up more than $2 from a year ago, at $5.20 a gallon. With spring rolling in and road trips on the horizon, how can consumers and professional drivers alike save money at the pump and stay safe on the roads? Centerline Drivers presents these tips based on discussions with industry safety leaders to help all drivers make the most of their next road trip or commute.

Slow Down, Save Gas – and Lives. With gas prices soaring, driving at a slower pace conserves more than energy. Because high speeds mean lower gas mileage and efficiency, you’ll be saving money and increasing your safety. Using cruise control on the highway instead of speeding up and slowing down will also help reduce gas usage.

Control your climate. Too much heat or air conditioning can affect gas mileage. Turn the heat down or the air up and use it sparingly.

Don’t idle, go inside. Picking up food? Don’t idle in the drive-thru. Idling uses as much gas as starting the engine. Park and go inside instead. You’ll not only save gas, but get a little exercise, too.

Get the most direct route with a GPS. Finding the most direct or fuel-efficient route doesn’t have to be difficult. Many GPS tools, including on your phone, can find the most fuel-efficient way to get from point A to point B.

Watch your wheels. Underinflated tires are a safety hazard, but they also are a gas guzzler. In addition to being dangerous, underfilled tires could reduce your fuel efficiency by 10 percent.

Stay up On your maintenance. A car or truck is a well-oiled machine. Or at least, it should be. Proper maintenance will keep your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently, helping you make the most out of your fuel.