By Pamela Singleton, Director of Communications
Posted June 2, 2008

We’re all trying to save gas these days. Consumer Reports’ June 2008 edition highlights the findings of their test of what works to improve fuel economy and what some of the myths are.

Consumer Reports’ tests show how to get the best gas mileage

The best way to burn less fuel is to buy a car that gets better gas mileage. But our tests with a Toyota Camry and other vehicles show there are ways to minimize what you spend at the pump with your current car.

Drive at a moderate speed. This is the biggest factor. You may have to be a little patient, but driving at 55 mph instead of 65 or 75 will save you money. When we increased the Camry’s highway cruising speed from 55 mph to 65, the car’s fuel economy dropped from 40 mpg to 35. Speeding up to 75 mph cost the car another 5 mpg. One reason is that aerodynamic drag increases exponentially the faster you drive; it simply takes more fuel to power the car through the air.