Fuel-Saving Tips From The DPD

Gasoline prices have hit record highs this week and it might be some time before they return to normal levels. The Dalton Police Department wants to help you avoid as much pain at the gas pump as possible, so the Traffic Unit is sharing some tips for saving gas on the department's Facebook page. The tips for saving fuel come from AAA, and much of the advice is in line with the message police officers have been sending for years - slow down and drive safely. Speeding isn't just dangerous, it also burns a lot more fuel than driving the speed limit (or below). 

Here are the tips shared by the DPD: 

• Slow down and drive the speed limit. On the highway, aerodynamic drag causes fuel economy to drop off significantly as speeds increase above 50 mph.
• Avoid “jackrabbit” starts and hard acceleration. These actions greatly increase fuel consumption.
• Avoid extended idling to warm up the engine, even in winter. It’s unnecessary and wastes fuel.
• If your vehicle is equipped with an automatic stop-start system make sure it is turned on and working.
• When driving in town, adjust your speed to “time” the traffic lights. This reduces repeated braking and acceleration that consume additional fuel.
• When approaching a red light or stop sign, take your foot off the gas early and allow your car to coast down to a slower speed until it is time to brake.
• Accelerate smoothly with light to moderate throttle. This allows the automatic transmission to upshift into higher gears sooner, reducing engine rpm and saving fuel.
• Use cruise control to help maintain a constant speed and save fuel. However, never use cruise control on slippery roads because a loss of vehicle control could result.
• If your car has a manual transmission, upshift as soon as you can without “lugging” the engine. When practical, you can also save fuel by skip-shifting – for example, going directly from first gear to third.