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Image via Honda At Rath Auto Resources in Forth Smith, AR, we pride ourselves in helping new drivers like you choose among a wide variety of used cars. To help narrow down your choices, we encourage you to think about your own preferences regarding factors such as fuel economy, safety, size, adaptability, and comfort. To further focus and fine-tune those choices, we have outlined five of our very favorite picks for you below! 1. Toyota Prius The Toyota Prius is a great starter vehicle for shoppers concerned about fuel economy! You and your family will also appreciate various safety features, including all wheel drive, auto emergency braking with pedestrian detection, steering assist, and blind-spot monitoring. 2. Honda Civic The Honda Civic is a perfect match for safety-conscious drivers, as it is often rated highly in safety by both the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Safety features include driver aids such as auto emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and forward collision warning. 3. Kia Seltos The Kia Seltos is an ideal pick for you if you are looking to purchase a vehicle with lots of extra room for friends, family, and travel. The Seltos is also highly rated, safety-wise, by the IIHS, and includes features such as driver attention warning, lane-departure warning, and high-beam assist. 4. Subaru Crosstrek If you are seeking adventure, you cannot go wrong with the Subaru Crosstrek. The Crosstrek is well-known for being safe and adaptable to all your potential needs, whether you plan to keep to city streets or expect to take on more cumbersome terrain. The Crosstrek also includes Subaru's standard EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, making it that much safer and easier to use. 5. Nissan Sentra The Nissan Sentra makes for an all-around great pick for drivers in the market to purchase a used vehicle. The Sentra is very comfortable to drive due to its seat design, has great fuel economy with up to 40 mpg on the highway, and includes various safety features including 10 airbags and various driver aids such as auto emergency braking. We have clearly got you covered, whether you are drawn to a vehicle's fuel economy, safety, size, adaptability, or comfort! But the Prius, Civic, Seltos, Crosstrek, and Sentra are only a taste of the many choices available to you. And as the premiere used car dealership in the area, we are well-equipped and ready to help you make the best choice for you and your family's specific needs. Reach out to us at Rath Auto Resources in Forth Smith, AR today and let us help you choose the best used car for you!

When you opt to buy a used car, you can save a lot of money and access a vehicle that might otherwise be out of reach. Unless you have a large amount of cash available, you'll be looking for used car financing in your local area. Let's examine some facts and tips that can help you make the best decision possible. 4 Things to Know About Used Car Financing 1. It's Cheaper than New Car Financing In general, financing a used vehicle is cheaper than a new vehicle because the total purchase price of the car is lower. On average, Americans spend $575 per month on a new car and $430 on a used one. The exact amount of your payment will depend on the type of car you buy and the terms of your loan, but there is a lot of potential for saving money by opting for a used vehicle. 2. You Can Get Great Rates at Your Dealership Getting financing doesn't have to be a hassle because you can get great rates at your local dealership. To get started, you can browse through the information online. If you have a good or average credit score, you can also fill out the pre-approval form on the website, which can speed up your purchase. People with lower credit scores or no credit history might benefit from speaking to a member of the sales team in person. We believe in providing everyone with great options, so you'll be able to find an excellent rate no matter what. 3. You Can Use Several Strategies to Lower Your Payments There are a lot of different things you can do to make sure you get the lowest monthly payment possible. One of the easiest is to trade in your old car and put up a down payment. By paying for part of your new car upfront, you automatically lower your payment, but you also demonstrate that you are good with money and a reliable buyer. That way, your dealership might be able to offer you a better interest rate. Another great way to reduce the amount of interest you pay is to shorten the duration of your loan. While this may make your monthly payment higher, it will reduce the overall amount you pay for your car. 4. Use Timing and Communication to Your Advantage Just like most businesses, dealerships have seasons that are busier than others. If you're looking for a particularly good rate and your purchase isn't urgent, you could wait until the slow season and potentially get a better rate. The easiest way to achieve this is to build up a relationship with your local dealership. Speak to the customer service team about what you're looking for and the rate you're hoping to get. They will be able to tell you the best time to buy. Financing your used car doesn't have to be a hassle if you get in touch with your local dealership. What's more, you can reduce the total amount you pay by providing your lender with a down payment and shortening the term of your loan. Get in touch with us at Rath Auto Resources Fort Smith to find out more and get started on your used car buying journey.

Shopping for a used car is very different from shopping for a new car. For one thing, you don't have to worry about the mechanical problems of a new car because it's fresh from the factory. Knowing how to spot the best used cars on the lot is vital to ensure you purchase a quality vehicle at a good price. How to Spot the Best Used Cars on the Lot Do Your Research First Before you even begin shopping in person, go online and identify car models that have the features you want, are not prone to mechanical issues, and have a reputation for reliability and longevity. This will weed out any vehicles that are known to have issues so that you don't even bother looking at them in person. Of course, you'll want to have several models in mind when you go shopping in case some aren't available where you shop. Look at the Window Sticker By law, every used car that's for sale must have a window sticker that tells you whether the vehicle is being sold "as is" or if it comes with a warranty. If a warranty is included, it will explain how repair costs will be covered and what percentage you'll be required to pay. While you don't necessarily need to have a warranty on a used car, it does provide some assurance that your purchase will be protected. Inspect the Body Look the entire car over for dents, scratches, rust, and body filler. All panels, the roof, and fenders should be carefully inspected to ensure the body is in good condition. If you think you've found a spot that's been patched with body filler, place a magnet against the area. If the magnet doesn't stick to the spot, body filler has been used. Body damage is not necessarily a deal killer, but you might be able to get a better price. Tires Cars with fewer than 20,000 miles should probably still have their original tires. If the vehicle you're looking at has fewer than 20,000 miles and brand new tires, think twice about that car. The vehicle may have been driven harshly, which may have caused early wear on the tires. Or, it may not have been maintained properly. Either way, it's a sign that the car may not be as good of a deal as it seems. Interior Besides the obvious wear and tear on upholstery,, there are certain things to look for when inspecting the interior. Turn the car on to make sure all warning lights illuminate and that the car starts up right away. Turn on all lights and look for signs of water leaks from windows and doors. If you smell a musty odor, it could mean the car has water damage, so be sure to ask for a vehicle history report. Mechanics If at all possible, have a mechanic inspect the engine and other mechanical components, especially if you're not familiar with cars. This will ensure you're not getting a car that has mechanical problems that are going to cost you even more money in the long run. Additionally, purchasing a used vehicle from a reputable dealership will remove this doubt as well. Searching for a used car is not always easy, but if you know what to look for, you'll find the best deals on the lot. Come by Rath Auto Resources of Fort Smith to check out our inventory of fully-inspected, mechanically sound used cars.

A car is a huge purchase, and new cars are just getting more and more expensive. The sticker price of a new car is just one of the reasons to consider buying a used vehicle, though. There are many other reasons that buying used makes more sense than buying new. Here are some reasons to make your next vehicle purchase a used one. 1. The Sticker Price You can save thousands of dollars when you buy a used car. According to recent data, you can save over $13,000 by choosing used over new. The biggest reason for this is depreciation. New cars depreciate quickly over the first five years, with the majority of it occurring in the first two years. While some makes hold their value better than others, the majority of new cars will lose 30% of their value in just the first year. 2. The Availability of Certified Pre-Owned Cars Almost every automaker offers some kind of certified pre-owned program to help buyers feel more secure when they buy a used vehicle. A manufacturer pre-owned certified vehicle usually includes some kind of warranty based on mileage or time along with extras such as roadside assistance. Dealerships also offer certified programs too. You can often purchase a warranty on a used vehicle for extra peace of mind. 3. You Get More for Your Money If you go into sticker shock when looking at just the entry-level trims on new vehicles, consider what you can get in a used vehicle for the same amount of money or even less. Your budget will get you much more in the way of extras if you look at cars that are a few years old. The top-level trim for a three-year-old vehicle with low miles is a much better deal than the base trim of a new car. 4. Reduced Cost of Insurance and Registration The value of the car determines the cost of insurance. Since a used car has less value than a brand-new car, it will cost less to insure it. Once a vehicle is older, you can even drop some of the coverage to save even more money. Collision and theft insurance is not always necessary for older vehicles. Just like with car insurance, the cost of registration is based on the transaction price. The less you pay for a car, the less you'll have to pay to register it. 5. The Variety There are thousands of different makes and models of used vehicles available. Car manufacturers discontinue trims every year and discontinue models regularly. These become available as used vehicles that you can no longer find new. For example, many carmakers are switching to crossover SUVs and limit the number of sedans that they produce. If you look for a used sedan, you'll have tons of options available. These are just a few of the reasons that it is a good idea to buy a used vehicle instead of new. The initial costs are lower, it is cheaper to insure a used car, and you'll have lots of options. Image via RathAuto.com

Just because you're looking for a used car instead of a new one, doesn't mean you have to sacrifice quality and safety to stay within your budget. When you're shopping for your next vehicle, you can enjoy more peace of mind when you check out these safe used cars for every budget. Under $20,000 The Honda Accord proves you don't have to give up style or safety when you're shopping for a used car. If you choose the 2016 model of this sleek and modern sedan, you'll be looking at spending around $16,000. You'll also discover an impressive variety of safety features. Both the coupe and sedan models are available with Honda Sensing, which is a suite of safety technologies that include automatic emergency braking, road departure mitigation, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. Even better, the 2016 Honda Accord received five stars from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and Top Safety Pick+ from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Under $15,000 If you're searching for a used car that's under $15,000, consider the Mazda 3. This compact car offers a fun drive, yet it's still a sensible pick for anyone on a budget. Even though it's small enough to easily fit into tight parking spaces, you'll still find plenty of room inside to load up friends or family for an afternoon out. If you get a 2016 model, you can expect to pay around $12,000, and you'll enjoy standard safety features that include a rearview camera and dual front air bags. If you get a higher trim level, you might also find available safety features that include a blind-spot warning system, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic high beams, lane departure warning, and forward emergency braking. Under $10,000 If you think you're limited to a sedan when you're shopping for a safe used car, think again. The 2011 Kia Sportage is one good option you can find for around $9,000. This compact SUV comes standard with a 2.4-liter engine that pumps out 176 horsepower for an exciting drive. In addition to an engaging drive, the 2011 Sportage was also a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Other safety features that come standard on the Sportage include anti-lock brakes, hill start assist, downhill brake control, electronic brake distribution, brake assist, stability control, and a tire pressure monitoring system. Under $5,000 The Toyota Sienna is another great option to consider if you're looking for a safe and budget-friendly used car. The 2010 models of this minivan tend to go for under $5,000. Some Sienna models come with all-wheel drive to help you handle a variety of road conditions. In addition to this great safety feature, you'll also enjoy plenty of room for everyone in the family since it seats up to seven people. Whether you're making the daily commute to work or driving your family around, you want a vehicle that's safe and reliable. Fortunately, you can stay within your budget and still get a safe vehicle when you choose one of these excellent options. Image via Pixabay.com

Buying a used car is an exciting process, but it can also be a little nerve-wracking. You want to make sure you buy the best vehicle at the best price, and that you have all the information required to make an informed decision. Next time you're in the market for a vehicle, keep these questions on the top of your mind. They will make the shopping process easier and more enjoyable. 1. Can you test drive the vehicle? You should always take your potential vehicle for a test drive. Before talking price with the dealer, make sure you can take the car for a test drive. You might even be able to take an extended or overnight drive. Offer proof of insurance and put it in writing that you'll bring the car back with a full tank of gas and less than 100 new miles on the odometer. The longer the test drive, the better. That's how you can find out if it's really the used car of your dreams...or a dud. 2. Has the dealer done any service on the vehicle? You could be test driving a car that has sat on the dealership's lot for weeks or months. Ask the dealer if they've done any repairs or maintenance since they received the vehicle. This could help you save money. If they have serviced the car recently, you won't have to deal with repairs soon after purchasing the vehicle. Additionally, you should ask if the car has ever been in an accident. Even if it looks fine on the outside, it could have issues inside. 3. What about the certification? For a vehicle in the best possible condition, you want to look for a manufacturer-certified pre-owned car. These have gone through an extensive investigation and inspection process. Ask to see the certification paperwork so you can look over the inspection notes, check the mechanical condition, and understand future service needs. Certified pre-owned cars have become more and more popular, as they are often low-mileage lease returns that have been maintained by the dealer. 4. Does the dealership accept trade-ins? If the dealership will handle this for you, selling your old vehicle is one more thing you can check off your to-do list. This will save you the hassle of selling your car and help pay for your new used car. Remember, you can get a better price and a smoother transaction if you trade in a car similar to the ones the car dealership stocks. 5. Are there any finance or lease agreements available? This answer to this question will depend on the dealership. Many newer franchise dealers offer manufacturer-backed financing. Make sure the rate is equal to or lower than what your bank or credit union would offer. Alongside the natural stress of searching for a new car, the process should be enjoyable. Hopefully these questions will help you feel more confident and clear-headed the next time you are visiting used-car dealerships. Good luck, and happy car shopping! Image via Flickr by Jackie.Ick

If it's time for you to purchase a vehicle, you might be wondering if you should buy a new car or a used car. While a shiny new "fresh off the factory floor" car is appealing at first, in the long run, it's much better to buy used. Let's discuss the benefits of buying a used vehicle. Depreciation It's an unfortunate fact of life that all cars depreciate in value. If you purchase a new car, it will have decreased in value by at least 20 percent by the time you've driven away from the dealership. In other words, if you purchase a new vehicle for $25,000, you end up throwing away $5,000 by the time you get home with your new purchase. If you can buy a used car that is one to three years old, its depreciation rates will have stabilized. This makes it a much better value than a brand new vehicle. Of course, if you plan on driving your new car until it falls apart, depreciation might not be a concern. However, if you buy a used car and then decide it's not for you, the stabilized depreciation rates will ensure that you can resell the car and get most of your money back. Lower Fees Depending on the state where you live, you may have to pay a higher sales tax rate and higher registration fees if you purchase a new car. If you buy a used vehicle, the base price will be lower, meaning that taxes and fees will also be lower. If you're financing your purchase through a lender, buying used could also mean that interest rates on your loan are lower. A lower sticker price, in addition to lower fees, allows you to stretch your dollar even further. You can buy the luxury car of your dreams if you opt for a slightly older model. Insurance In most instances, your insurance company will charge you higher rates to insure a new vehicle. If you choose to purchase a used car, not only will your company offer you lower rates, but you may also be able to drop some components of your coverage. Many used-car drivers choose to opt out of collision and theft coverage, meaning they save even more money. Vehicle History Before the Internet Age, it was risky to buy a used car. Buyers could never be sure if the previous owner had kept the vehicle properly maintained. However, there are now services available to potential car buyers that let them know about a used vehicle's history. You can learn everything from the vehicle's maintenance regimen to whether the car has ever been involved in an accident. Taking advantage of these reports will give you peace of mind and also some leverage at the dealership. These are just some of the benefits of buying a used car. By doing a little bit of research, you can buy a car that you'll love without breaking the bank. Image via Flickr by 401(K) 2013

Student drivers have specific needs when looking for the right vehicle. They usually need space for cargo and passengers, whether they're packing for the dorm, heading to soccer practice, or picking up friends for a night out. Safety features are also ideal as they tend to be newer drivers with concerned parents. Most student drivers also want some connectivity for their music and apps. Here are five used models that meet these needs and more. Honda Fit The Honda Fit provides versatility, efficiency, and style. This five-door sedan is great for college students with long drives home for holidays. Road trips are made easy with plenty of space and less stops for fuel. If you find a model with the Honda Sensing suite of safety features, you'll be well-covered on the road. Features like forward collision warnings, lane-keeping assistance, and adaptive cruise control act as a second set of eyes on the road. Toyota Prius Go with the 2018 Toyota Prius if you want an updated vehicle with an affordable price and great, student-friendly features. Any used Prius from 2016 until 2018 will have most of the same features as there were no major updates made to the design over those years. The Prius is a four-door hatchback sedan with seating for five people. The Prius also comes in a plug-in hybrid trim, so you can take efficiency to a new level. Students will love the reliability and technology features of a used Prius. Jeep Wrangler For students who love weekend adventures and want some serious capability in their used car, a used Jeep Wrangler is ideal. These vehicles offer lots of space for friends and cargo and they're awesome companions on rough roads. You can enjoy Spring Break by taking on the outdoors or take multiple friends home for Thanksgiving with the family. Jeep Wranglers are in their fourth generation, so any used vehicle from 2017 and on will share most features with new models. Subaru Impreza The Subaru Impreza is a great vehicle for active students who need a reliable vehicle to get to work, practice, and everywhere else. Since 1992, the Impreza has come in five-door models that offer an impressively large cargo area. With standard all-wheel drive, this vehicle is great for students driving in poor weather conditions. In the 2018 models, you'll find loads of great features like a fully-connected infotainment system and jaw-dropping fuel economy. Ford Focus Ford has decided to discontinue the Focus model for 2019, but used models will remain available. The Focus comes in a sedan and a hatchback, so you can decide which best fits your lifestyle. ST models offer some extra kick for students who want some rev to the engine. No matter which Focus model you choose, you'll enjoy a seriously reliable car with top-notch safety, convenience, efficiency, and power. Head to Rath Auto Resources to browse our great selection of used vehicles. Try out a few models with a test drive and see which is the best fit. Image via Flickr by Ya, saya inBaliTimur

Getting your driver's license and having your first car are major milestones in your life as a teen. Getting the right car, however, is an important task, and the choice can either simplify or complicate a teen's life. Finding the right used model for a teen driver depends on his or her needs, but choosing any of these vehicles would definitely be a good idea. Toyota RAV4 Given the fact that the thing a teen driver lacks most is experience, a sturdy SUV might be the ideal choice. The Toyota RAV 4 received a facelift in 2016, so any used model sold after that time will look like the latest version. All models come with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine capable of producing 176 horsepower and 172 pound-feet of torque. The horsepower isn't too much for a new driver to handle, but it's enough to get you out of tight spots and make the SUV seem agile. The handling and steering feel great and are very precise, making the RAV4 easy to handle, even for an inexperienced driver. It's also a very comfortable car, mostly because of the large cabin and soft seats. Active safety systems such as pre-collision system, lane departure alert, and intelligent high beam will help the driver keep the vehicle out of harm's way. Kia Soul EV Since teen drivers don't usually go on very long drives, an electric vehicle is definitely a great choice. The combination of a 109-horsepower electric motor and a 27-kWh battery in the KIA Soul EV offers an estimated 93 miles of driving range, which should be more than enough for any teen's daily routine. It also spares teens from spending allowance money on gasoline. Its boxy shape makes it roomy enough to carry things around, while the Soul also has enough features to be fun enough for a teen. Most used Kia Soul vehicles on the market are equipped with the Plus trim, which features front and rear parking sensors, 17-inch alloy wheels, smartphone connectivity, and a rearview camera, among many other features. You'll also get many active safety systems to assist the new driver. Hyundai Accent Safe SUVs and economic electric cars are definitely good choices for a teen driver, but another good choice is a simple compact and inexpensive car. Simple because it makes it easier for a new driver to grasp the fundamentals of driving, compact because it's easier to maneuver, and inexpensive because a new driver will most likely scratch and dent the car, at the very least. The Hyundai Accent ticks all these boxes, making it a great first car. Its interior is quiet and comfortable, with excellent outside noise cancellation. Just because it's relatively inexpensive doesn't mean the Accent compromised on safety, with features such as electronic stability control and a smart air-bag system. Having your first car is an experience you're not likely to forget any time soon. Any of these three cars would be a good choice for any teen, as they check off all the right boxes when it comes to quality, comfort, and safety. Image via Flickr by theKCB

Whether your new driver is buying their first car on their own or you're doing it together, it's a huge step. There are arguments for both new and used cars when it comes to teen drivers, but you really can't go wrong with a later-model used vehicle. Here are some of the best cars for a new driver. 2017 Honda Fit The Honda Fit is an excellent subcompact car. The cabin is comfortable with high-quality materials, and the rear seat passengers have a good amount of legroom. All Fit trims come with a rearview camera and a brake assist system, and the Honda LaneWatch system is available to help drivers see what's in their blind spots. This little vehicle has above-average reliability ratings, and it comes in three different trim levels offering a variety of technology options. The EX-L is the only trim that comes standard with the automatic CVT. It also has a 7-inch touch screen and the HondaLink infotainment system. 2015 Honda CR-V The 2015 Honda CR-V is a compact SUV that offers excellent fuel economy, and it has a large cargo area and room for up to five passengers. It comes standard with a rearview camera, and depending on the trim, you can get a blind-spot camera, adaptive cruise control, and a lane keep assist. It also offers a 7-inch touch screen, navigation system, and leather upholstery as options. The Honda CR-V EX-L adds leather seats and comes with dual-zone automatic climate control. 2014 Hyundai Sonata The sleek looking Hyundai Sonata is a five-passenger sedan, and the 2014 model comes standard with extensive standard features and technology. The combination of excellent fuel economy and top notch reliability ratings make it a top choice for a new driver. It has a four-cylinder engine that produces 190 horsepower with the option for a four-cylinder that gets 274 horsepower. The Sonata offers a sporty handling experience and a comfortable ride for its passengers. Choose the SE trim for a rearview camera and a driver-side blind-spot mirror. All trims come standard with electronic stability control and a full suite of air bags. 2016 Toyota Camry There's lots to like about the 2016 Toyota Camry. It gets excellent safety ratings, comes with a host of standard and optional equipment, and has a roomy, upscale cabin. All 2016 Camry trims come with a rearview camera, and both the XLE and XSE come standard with Toyota's Pre-Collision system, blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. For technology, even the base model Camry has a 6.1-inch touch screen, Bluetooth, and remote keyless entry. Stepping up in trims will add heated front seats, leatherette or leather upholstery, and, in some models, a navigation system. Check out these used models that make some of the best choices for a new driver. They can get some of the advanced safety technology and even some extra comfort and convenience features to keep everyone safe and happy on the road. Image via Flickr by -JvL

Buying a used car can be a stressful situation. But, you could find some great deals if you're thorough in your search, don't allow yourself to be rushed, and know what to look for. Here are some tips to keep in mind as you shop for a used car. Make a Budget Before you shop, know your budget. Decide how much you're willing to spend on a used car so you can focus your search on vehicles that fit your price range. Take a look at your finances, and be reasonable. A car should help you get around, not put you in a horrible financial situation. Once you know your budget, try to stick to it as much as possible, but have a good idea of how much higher you'd consider going. Know What to Look For The search for a used car will be easier if you know what you need out of it. Are you trying to get your entire family to little league baseball games? Are you trying to get the most powerful muscle car for the lowest price? You'll save yourself a lot of time answering these kinds of questions. Research Reliability Once you know what kind of car you want, research what model will last the longest. You don't want to spend the time, money, and effort buying a used car that's going to break down on you in a year. Check to see what other people are saying about the model. When you start shopping around, you'll know how to measure a vehicle's state against its expected lifespan. Start Searching Online shopping is the way to go. You'll be able to search cars in your area using the factors you've decided on, such as make, model, and year. However, a good walk through the used car lots or paper classified ads can turn up some surprising results. See the Title and Look Up Its History When you've found a car, ask to see the title. You don't want to buy a car without the title, and the seller should be happy to show it to you. After you've seen the title, write down the vehicle identification number. It's a 17-digit code that you can generally find at the bottom of the windshield on the driver's side of the dashboard. You can use this number to look up the vehicle's history through services like AutoCheck or CARFAX. Find out if it has any possible issues such as flood damage, discrepancies in the odometer, or past involvement in a major collision. Test Drive and Diagnose Now for the fun part — give it a spin. See how comfortable it is, how it handles curves, and if the radio works. Be as thorough as possible, because there are generally no take-backs once you choose to buy. Look to see if what's under the hood is up to par. Get a mechanic in if you need to. If a car passes all these tests, then you may have found your new ride. Take as much time as you need to make a smart choice, and don't forget to visit us at Rath Auto Resources in Fort Smith. Image via Pixabay.com

Everyone loves to save a bit of money where they can, but are you doing everything you can to get better gas mileage and reduce spending at the pumps? There are a lot of things you can do to ensure you get the most out of every fill-up. Keep Your Tires Properly Inflated Something as simple as making sure your tires are fully inflated throughout the year can lead to marked improvements in gas mileage throughout the course of a year. As tires lose pressure, more surface touches the road, which in turn, increases friction against the road. This makes the engine work harder to fight this friction as you drive. Properly inflated tires help you roll further at sustained speeds, reducing the need to press the gas as much. Drive Sensibly Simply driving in a sensible manner can also save you some gas. Accelerating quickly causes the RPMs to jump by a few thousand. When the engine is operating at these higher RPMs, it's using significantly more fuel than when cruising between 1,000 to 2,000 RPMs. Of course, you still need to accelerate quickly to merge onto a highway or perform a safe passing maneuver, but driving at high speeds all the time adds up in the fuel economy department. Use Your AC at High Speeds There's something magical about having your windows down on the highway. An amazing rush of wind in your face cooling you down despite heat. However, at some speeds, keeping your windows up and putting the AC on can improve your fuel economy. Once you roll down your windows, the amount of drag your car creates is increased, which means the engine needs to work harder to cut through the air. Change Your Oil Regularly Once your oil becomes dirty, it can become less effective, making the engine work harder for every RPM. Staying on top of your oil changes is a great way to keep your fuel economy in good shape. Changing your oil regularly can also reduce costly engine issues down the road. Get That Check Engine Light Fixed A check engine light can mean a lot of things. While it may not be dangerous to drive with the check engine light on, it can lead to larger problems if left unchecked. Some engine issues that cause check engine lights will negatively affect your fuel economy in a big way. Faulty valve timing solenoids are some of the biggest offenders in the fuel economy department. Regardless of the issue, get your check engine light diagnosed and corrected as soon as possible. Avoid Stop-and-go Traffic Your engine uses the most fuel bringing the car up to speed. If you need to constantly stop the car and bring it back up to speed because of traffic, your fuel economy will be suffering. Another thing to try to avoid is very short trips, such as ones down the road or to the mailbox. These shorter trips can create more engine build-ups, which would be cleaned up by the engine during a longer drive of 5 miles or more. Employing just a few of these tips will have you saving money at the pumps in no time. You'll be surprised at how much money you save by doing so. Image via pixabay.com