Park in the Shade

Decrease fuel lost to evaporation, reduce the need for a/c and stay more comfortable.

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Photo: Vladimir Maravic / istock

By Brian Clark Howard

During hot months, try to park your vehicle in a shady spot, which decreases the amount of fuel lost to evaporation and requires less air-conditioning when you get back in.

Gasoline evaporates rapidly, and even escapes from closed tanks. The process is sped up by high temperatures.

Keeping your vehicle cooler means you'll run your air conditioner less, resulting in a substantial savings in fuel. You'll be less likely to damage car contents from extreme heat, meaning you'll have fewer items to replace.

Also check out cardboard or shiny metallic windshield sun shades, which reflect solar heat away from the cabin.

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