9 tips to save on gas this Thanksgiving

ORLANDO, Fla. — If you’re planning to hit the highway this turkey season, here’s a tip: Budget more cash for your gas.

Fuel prices will remain high throughout the holiday season, according to AAA.

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As a matter of fact, the automotive experts recently reported that Thanksgiving gas prices are expected to be at their highest since 2013.

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But before you rethink your “over the river and through the woods” journey to visit family and friends, read on.

Here are 9 tips to help you get better gas mileage and lessen the pinch on your pocketbook, courtesy of AAA:

1. Plan your trips - Map a route before you go to minimize unnecessary turnarounds and backtracking. Avoid peak traffic times. Combine errands and go to “one stop shops” where you can do multiple tasks (banking, shopping, etc.).

2. Shop around - Look for the best gas prices in your community and along your travel route (Hint: Click here to try some helpful online AAA tools, including the Fuel Price Finder & Gas Cost Calculator)

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3. Watch your speed - Fuel economy peaks at around 50 mph on most cars, then drops off as speeds increase. Reducing highway speeds by 5 to 10 mph can increase fuel economy 7 to 14 percent.

4. Drive conservatively - Avoid “jack rabbit” starts, rapid acceleration and hard braking, which can lower fuel economy by 15 to 30 percent at highway speeds and 10 to 40 percent in stop-and-go traffic.

5. Avoid excessive idling - A car engine consumes one quarter to one half gallon of fuel per hour when idling, but a warm engine only takes around 10 seconds worth of fuel to restart. Where safe to do so, shut off your engine if you will be stopped for more than a minute.

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6. Use a “fast pass” on toll roads - Having a pre-paid pass on toll roads allows you to use the express lane, saving fuel by minimizing or eliminating tollbooth slowdowns and stops.

7. Consider paying cash - Some retailers charge extra per gallon for customers who pay with a credit card.

8. Use cruise control - Driving at a consistent speed on the highway saves gas. However, never use cruise control on slippery roads as it could cause a loss of vehicle control.

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9. Remove excess weight in your vehicle - An extra 100 pounds can reduce fuel economy up to 1 percent. Note that cargo weight affects the fuel mileage of smaller vehicles more than larger ones.

May your wallet stay as full as your belly this Thanksgiving.

And wherever you plan to go this holiday season, safe travels to you and yours!

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