5 ways to make your fuel take you farther

1. Map it out. Plan your route in advance to minimize the miles you need to drive and to keep you from getting lost.

2. Take your time. The faster you drive, the worse your gas mileage will be.

3. Shed the carrier. Avoid carrying things on top of your vehicle. On the highway more than 50% of engine power goes to overcoming aerodynamic drag. Roof racks significantly increase drag.

4. Drive smoothly. Hard acceleration and braking can reduce fuel economy by about 20%. Using cruise control can help avoid that.

5. Shut down when stopped. Rather than sit idiling at rest stops or in long fast-food drive-through lines, turn off your engine and walk inside. When you have your car idling, you're getting zero miles per gallon.

From Consumer Reports/July 08/pg 49