It’s getting to be that time of year when we have the urge to buckle the kids into the back and head on down the road.  Just because the sight of gas prices can actually cause your eyes to fill with tears doesn’t mean you will be able to curb this primal need. 

As humans we’ve got to get up and go… A.B.H. (Anywhere But Here).

So here are a few tips to squeeze the most efficiency out of every tank.

• Leave the SUV at home.  Sure, you would have more room to bring along the backyard grill, but is it necessary?  Take a smaller car that burns less of the precious stuff.

• Don’t go so far. You have worlds of fun about an hour to the west, 72 miles of beaches right here in Brevard County, Kennedy Space Center up near Titusville, airboat rides, and we sometimes tend to overlook the parks, museums and historical districts right in our backyard.  Sure, the air is cooler in Canada, but there’s no place like home.

• Travel at night.  A cooler engine (such as one not being cooked in the Florida sun) will get better gas mileage, and you won’t have to crank the air conditioner to high to stay comfortable.  And if you avoid the traffic jams around major cities you won’t get stuck burning gas bumper to bumper.

• Use the cruise control.  A more consistent driving speed means better fuel efficiency.

• Don’t stop as much.    Starting and stopping uses more fuel.

• Get a Road Trip Special at Gatto’s.  A well-maintained vehicle with properly inflated tires will get better gas mileage.  It’s true!

Enjoy your trip to A.B.H. and drive safely.  Just remember, before you get up and go you gotta go to Gatto's!

Pam