Improving fuel economy is a matter of changing your driving habits. The benefits range from environmental to personal and financial. Here are some easy and effective tips on maximizing your fuel economy.
- Drive Conservatively – Rapid acceleration and hard braking can reduce your fuel economy by 15-30% at highway speeds (10-40% in stop and go traffic).
- Use Cruise Control – Cruise control reduces the fluctuations in speed keeping your car at a consistent pace helping to saving gas.
- Avoid unnecessary Idling – Between 1 quarter to ½ gallon of fuel per hour is used when idling. Turn off your engine until you’re ready to get on your way, restarting your engine only uses 10 seconds worth of fuel. Only shut off your engine when it is safe to do so.
- Practice Proper car Maintenance:
- Remove any extra items from your car – More weight = more fuel your car needs to use
- Change your oil regularly
- Check your tire pressure
- Check your engine air filter and replace if needed
- Choose to roll down your windows instead of using AC
- Regularly track your fuel economy
