With gas prices hovering around $4 per gallon for most of the United States, people are wondering how to get the most mileage from their vehicles in the spring and summer.
The U.S. Department of Energy said in a post on its website that warmer weather can increase fuel economy because “the engine warms up to an efficient temperature faster; summer grades of gasoline can have slightly more energy; and warm air causes less aerodynamic drag than cold air.”
The agency warned that potential fuel savings caused by the warmer weather can be offset by drivers’ efforts to keep their interiors cool in the spring and summer.
The findings come as the average price of a gallon of gasoline was $4.12 on April 14, according to AAA. The figure was steady at a national average of $4.14 on April 7, up from $3.63 a gallon last month.
With that in mind, the USA TODAY Cars team compiled a list of tips from the Energy Department to keep your car running at top efficiency in the spring and summer.
1. Roll the Windows at Lower Speeds; Use AC at Higher Speeds
The Energy Department said “Running the vehicle’s air conditioning is the main contributor to reduced fuel economy in hot weather.”
“Its effect depends on a number of factors, such as the outside temperature, humidity, and intensity of the sun,” the department said.
2. Don’t Use the AC More Than Necessary
The Energy Department said “open windows increase aerodynamic drag (wind resistance), making the vehicle use more energy to push through the air.”
“This effect is quite small at low speeds but increases at highway speeds,” the department said.
“Opening windows to let out hot air from the cabin is helpful,” the department said. “An especially good way to do this without seriously impacting fuel economy is to vent the sunroof while first driving. It not only lets out the hot air but helps keep the vehicle’s aerodynamics at the same time.”
3. Park in the Shade or Use a Sunshade
Parking in the shade can help keep car interiors cool, which would reduce the need for heavy air conditioning.
4. Don’t Idle With the AC Running
The Institute for Environmental Research and Education, a Washington state-based nonprofit, said that idling with the air conditioning running is “particularly wasteful.”
“When the car is stationary, the engine is only powering the AC system,” the group said. “This can consume a significant amount of fuel over time, especially on hot days when the AC needs to work harder to maintain a comfortable temperature.”
5. Follow the Owner’s Manual
The Energy Department said “most manuals explain how the A/C system controls work and how to best use and maintain the AC system.”
6. Pre-Cool Hybrids and EVs While Connected to the Charger
The Energy Department said “for plug-in hybrids and electric vehicles, pre-cooling the cabin while plugged into the charger can extend the vehicle’s range. Also, using a warmer temperature setting for the A/C will use less battery power.”
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