Just in Time for Summer Travel AARP Bulletin Today Releases Eight Tips to Beat Increasing Gas Costs

WASHINGTON, July 1 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- AARP Bulletin Today, the go-to daily news source for 50+ Americans, today released "Squeezed at the Pump: Eight Ways to Beat Rising Fuel Prices," an article with gas-saving advice to help Americans hard hit by the economic crunch.

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"At over $4.00 a gallon and rising, today's gas prices are having an impact on the wallets of Americans of all ages," said AARP Bulletin Editor Jim Toedtman. "'Squeezed at the Pump' provides a few tips to help save money when filling up, just in time for this weekend's holiday travel."

To conserve gas, follow eight simple guidelines also online at: http://bulletin.aarp.org/

    1. Take it easy. Don't brake suddenly or accelerate quickly -- doing so
       can lower gas mileage by 33 percent at highway speeds, according to the
       Alliance to Save Energy (ASE).
    2. Don't skimp on vehicle upkeep. Keeping your tires properly inflated
       and your trunk free of junk can also increase fuel efficiency. So can
       regular tune-ups, fixing faulty oxygen sensors and regularly replacing
       air filters.
    3. Slow down. Gas mileage decreases rapidly above 60 miles per hour.
       "Each five miles per hour over 60 mph is like paying an additional
       20 cents per gallon of gas," ASE reports. Use cruise control to help
       you maintain a constant speed.
    4. Shop around: In some cities, gas prices can vary by 20 percent from one
       side of town to the other. AARP Bulletin Today offers links to some
       gas-saving Web sites to help you find the best deal in your area.
    5. Think small. SUVs may be fun, but maybe it's time to switch. Smaller
       cars and hybrids are more fuel-efficient. If you're in the market
       for a new car, visit the U.S. Department of Energy's Fuel Economy
       site (www.fueleconomy.gov) or the EPA's Green Vehicle Guide
       (www.epa.gov/greenvehicles) for information on which vehicles get the
       best gas mileage.
    6. Think smaller. Bikes are cheaper than even the most fuel-efficient cars.
    7. Avoid idling. Having "no particular place to go" may have been
       OK for Chuck Berry, but it can cost you money, especially if you have a
       larger car.
    8. Get more for less driving. Sure, driving less helps you save on gas. But
       it can also help you save on car insurance. The Consumer Federation of
       America reports that driving less can help consumers save an average of 5
       to 15 percent on insurance rates. If you've started taking the bus
       to work instead of driving, for instance, your classification may change
       and you may be eligible for an immediate rate reduction.

Don't forget or sacrifice safety as you scrimp at the pump. AARP offers a Driver Safety course which can help you learn about the effects of aging on your driving and introduce you to the latest changes in cars that can affect the way you drive. AARP Driver Safety courses are offered by trained volunteer instructors throughoutthe United States,Puerto Rico and theU.S. Virgin Islands. Courses are now available in both a classroom setting and online. By completing the AARP Driver Safety Program you may be eligible for a car insurance discount in some states. You should check with your insurance agent prior to signing up. Information on the Driver Safety Program can be found at: www.aarp.org/drive or by calling 1-888-AARP NOW (1-888-227-7669).

About AARP BulletinThe definitive news source for AARP's 39 million members, AARP Bulletin (bulletin.aarp.org) reaches more than 22.5 million households each month in print, with additional news and in-depth coverage online. Covering health and health policy, Medicare, Social Security, consumer protection, personal finance, and AARP state and national news developments, AARP Bulletin delivers the story behind the key issues confronting 50+ America. The monthly consumer-oriented news publication has become a must-read for congressional lawmakers andWashington opinion leaders, and it provides AARP members with pertinent information they need to know.

About AARP

AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization that helps people 50+ have independence, choice and control in ways that are beneficial and affordable to them and society as a whole. AARP does not endorse candidates for public office or make contributions to either political campaigns or candidates. We produce AARP The Magazine, the definitive voice for 50+ Americans and the world's largest-circulation magazine with over 34 million readers; AARP Bulletin, the go-to daily news source for AARP's 39 million members and Americans 50+; AARP Segunda Juventud, the only bilingual U.S. publication dedicated exclusively to the 50+ Hispanic community; and our website, AARP.org. AARP Foundation is an affiliated charity that provides security, protection, and empowerment to older persons in need with support from thousands of volunteers, donors, and sponsors. We have staffed offices in all 50 states, theDistrict of Columbia,Puerto Rico, and theU.S. Virgin Islands.

SOURCE AARP

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