Gas saving tips for Labor Day weekend travel

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Action News Jax wants to make sure you get the most out of your mileage as you gas up your tank for the last road trip of summer. Labor Day weekend is approaching, and it marks the unofficial end of summer.

Some travelers say gas prices are playing a hand in how they travel. Gas prices have some people opting to fly.

AAA says Friday is going to be one of the busiest days to hit the road for Labor Day weekend. Right now, Florida’s average price for a gallon of gas is $3.56.

Action News Jax wants to make sure you get the most out of your mileage this Labor Day weekend with 10 ways to save your gas.

“There’s not much you can do. Drive less, walk more,” says Linh Bradberry.

First up, map a route before you hit the road to minimize unnecessary turnarounds and backtracking. Second, watch your speed. Bringing down your highway speed by 5 to 10 mph can bring up your fuel economy.

“We gas every day. It’s more important for me to pay maybe $8, $7 or $5 than to come out of pocket for a whole $40 or $50. I guess it’s mind over matter,” says Linda McKenzie.

Third, don’t hit the gas or stomp on the brakes, as it uses a lot of fuel. Fourth, avoid idling. If your car is going to be parked for more than a minute, cut it off. Fifth, get a SunPass so you can skip the traffic.

“I guess just keep checking the car, changing the oil, caring for the car, the maintenance,” says Norma Martinez.

Sixth, avoid rush hour. Seventh, anticipate road conditions by timing stoplights if you can. Eighth, use cruise control, as consistent speeds save gas.

“I drive a very economical car, so roughly even with high gas at $55 to $60, that’s expensive because I’m used to $40,” says Bradberry.

Ninth, if your car has a manual transmission, shift the gears and when coming to a stop using the brakes. And lucky gas-saving tip #10, drive around if you want to warm your engine.

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