After a period of relative stability, gas prices are up again. And although several fuel-sipping vehicles - hybrids, diesels, and a soon-to-arrive electric car - have been introduced to the market over the past couple of years, they still account for a very small percentage of vehicles on the road.For many consumers who are driving SUVs, trucks and vans especially, times are getting tough at the pump. Even owners of small cars are feeling the pinch.
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• New and Used Car ReviewsBut let's face it, you can't just walk away from your vehicle, even if it does use more fuel than you'd like. Furthermore, many people simply need a minivan for their family, a pickup truck for their work, or an SUV for its versatility.
Fortunately, there is a way for consumers to fight high gas prices, no matter what kind of vehicle they own. The idea is to maximize your mileage by driving fuel efficiently, and contrary to what you may think, this doesn't mean you have to crawl around at Sunday-drive speeds.
What we mean by "fuel efficient" driving is combining smooth driving techniques with basic vehicle maintenance. It's simple, really: drive close to the speed limit, for example; use a light foot on the accelerator when increasing speed; pace yourself to avoid coming to a full stop at red lights; avoid "jackrabbit" starts, and if possible, plan your daily commute to reduce the frequency of stop signs or lights on your way.
Tips on Driving "Fuel-Efficiently"
