| 1 |
Don't tailgate or race to stop signs - bursts of rapid acceleration and braking use fule and cost money at the gas pump |
| 2 |
Keep on rolling in traffic - maintaining a constant speed increases fuel economy, because it takes much more energy to move a stopped vehicle than to keep a vehicle moving |
| 3 |
Ride the "green wave" - a steady speed can help drivers avoid red lights and keep the car moving more efficiently |
| 4 |
Maintain an optimum highway speed for good mileage - observing the speed limit and not exceeding 60 mph (where legally allowed) can improve mileage by 7 to 23% |
| 5 |
Use air conditioning at higher speeds - when driving at higher speeds open windows use more fuel than the air conditioner |
| 6 |
Use cruise control - According to a test conducted by Edmunds.com, cruise control can provide a 7% average fuel savings, compared to driving without the device operating |
| 7 |
Navigate to reduce carbon dioxide - planning driving trips can help reduce fuel use and CO2 emissions |
| 8 |
Avoid idling - idling uses gas and because the car is going nowhere, it translates into 0 mpg |
| 9 |
Use the highest gear possible - by using overdrive gears, where possible, your vehicles engine speed goes down saving fuel and engine wear while reducing CO2 emissions |
| 10 |
Drive your vehicle to warm it up - your vehicle will reach its optimum operating temperature much faster when you are driving, rather than idling |
| 11 |
Keep your cool - always roll down windows when getting into a hot car to blow out the hot air. Try to park in the shade. And consider investing in a heat reflector or window shade |
| 12 |
Obey your check engine lights - when the onboard diagnostic light comes on, there is the possibility that your emissions are increased and your fuel economy is going down |
| 1 |
Read your owner's manual - recommended servicing keeps your vehicle operating efficiently |
| 2 |
Use the recommended motor oil - according to the US EPA, you can improve your fuel economy by 1 to 2 % by using the manufacturer's recommended grade of motor oil |
| 3 |
Schedule periodic engine tune-ups - typically, a tune up can improve gas mileage by an average of 4% |
| 4 |
Replace air filters regularly - According to the US Department of Energy, replacing a clogged air filter can increase your mileage by 10% |
| 5 |
Check your tire pressure monthly - the Department of Energy estimates that 1.2 billion gallons of fuel were wasted in 2005 as a result of driving on under-inflated tires |
| 6 |
Check the weather, then check your tires - tire pressure changes an average of 1 PSI (pounds per square inch) for every 10 degrees Fahrenheit change in air temperatures |
| 7 |
Invest in a tire pressure gauge - tire pressure monitoring systems will indicate when your tires are under-inflated by 25%, but it is always advisable to check your tires with a tire pressure gauge before you see the warning light |
| 8 |
Reduce aerodynamic drag - wind resistance can reduce mileage, so you can maximize by removing luggage racks, roof-top carriers, and ski racks when they are not needed |
| 9 |
Tighten your gas cap - as much as 30 gallons of gasoline could be lost annually to evaporation when the fuel cap is not fully tightened |
| 10 |
Remove excess weight from your vehicle - an extra 100 pounds in the trunk typically reduces mileage by about 2% |
| 11 |
Maintain your air conditioning system professionally - insist on professional service with recovery and recycling so that refrigerant can be reused and not released to the atmosphere |
| 12 |
Consider purchasing fuel-efficient tires - your tires can make a difference. "Low rolling resistance" tires are now available, and these tires can improve mileage |
