Attitude is everything

The type of car or truck you drive, how it's maintained and how you drive are the most important factors in both conserving fuel and staying safe behind the wheel. Here are some tips from AAA that will help you save gasoline and money:

• If you own more than one car—especially if one of your vehicles is a less fuel-efficient vehicle such as a pickup truck, sport utility vehicle or van—use the more energy-conserving vehicle as often as possible.
  
  
• Consolidate trips and errands to cut down on driving time and miles traveled.
  
  
• Find one location where you can take care of banking, grocery shopping and other chores. Comparison shop by phone, online or through newspaper ads.
  
  
• Slow down. The faster a vehicle travels, the more fuel it burns.
  
  
• Avoid quick starts and sudden stops. This wastes fuel, is harder on vehicle components and increases the odds of a traffic crash.
  
  
• Lighten the load. Don't haul extra weight in the passenger compartment, trunk or cargo area of your vehicle. A heavier vehicle uses more gasoline.
  
  
• Keep your eyes open for low fuel prices, but don't waste gas driving to a distant filling station to save a few cents.
  
  
• Stick to a routine maintenance schedule. Keeping tires inflated, moving components properly lubricated and ignition and emission systems operating properly will help ensure maximum fuel efficiency and extend the life of your vehicle.