Car Care

This Season, Don't Let Pump Prices Put a Damper on Your Holiday Fun

Posted: 11/5/2010

Follow simple steps to save money on fuel this holiday.

(NewsUSA)- It's easy to get caught up in the holiday hubbub when you're running around looking for the perfect gift. While the holidays can be expensive, there are ways to save. Firestone Complete Auto Care offers the following tips to help you save money at the gas pump so you can focus on your holiday celebrations.

Slow Down and Get Some Air

• Vehicles use less fuel the slower they travel. While staying within the speed limits, try dropping your highway speed by 10 mph to see big savings at the pump.

• Calm down. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, aggressive driving can lower your gas mileage by 33 percent on the highway and by 5 percent in the city.

Fuel Up

• Buy the right fuel. Look in your vehicle's owner's manual for the correct octane level for your vehicle's engine. Odds are that it will be regular unleaded, since fewer than 5 percent of the vehicles on the road require the use of premium fuel.

Drop Some Pounds

• Extra weight in your vehicle makes it work harder, hence less fuel mileage. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, an extra 100 pounds in the car can reduce a vehicle's fuel economy by up to 2 percent. If you have a trunk full of junk, empty it out for better fuel economy.

The holiday season can stretch your wallet pretty thin. By following just a few small steps, you'll have more to spend on holiday festivities.