Keep your vehicle well-tuned.
Did you know that simple maintenance—such as regular oil changes, air-filter changes, and spark plug replacements—will lengthen the life of your vehicle as well as improve fuel economy and minimize emissions? Just follow the schedule in your owner’s manual.
Check your tires.
Keeping your tires inflated at the regulated PSI. Having the right amount of air in the tires and aligned tires saves fuel by reducing the amount of drag your engine must overcome.
Be weight conscious.
For example, do not carry around all the sports equipment for yourself and your four children all the time if you don’t need to. For every 100 pounds of weight in your vehicle, fuel economy decreases by one to two percent. Also, reduce drag by putting bulky items inside the vehicle or trunk instead of on a roof rack – if you can.
Keep track of your fuel economy.
A drop in your vehicle’s fuel economy can be a sign of engine trouble. Keep track of your fuel economy by noting the odometer reading and the number of gallons purchased each time you fill up. To calculate your gas mileage, divide the number of miles traveled between fill-ups by the number of gallons purchased. Most hybrid cars and even some conventional gas vehicles have special gauges that make it even easier to keep track of your fuel economy in real-time, so you can see how your driving habits are impacting your fuel efficiency.
Park in the shade.
Did you know that if you park in the shade, not only will you love it more when you get back into your vehicle in the summer, but it minimizes evaporation of fuel.
Drive moderately.
Just because the light turns green does not mean that you should stomp on the gas like a NASCAR driver. High-speed driving and “jack-rabbit” starts increase both fuel use and emissions. Going 65 mph on the highway instead of 75 can cut your fuel use up to 20 percent and making more gradual stops and starts will bring even more savings.
Drive in a higher gear.
When you are driving in the highest gear in your vehicle without laboring the engine is a great fuel-efficient way of driving. Travelling fast in low gears can consume up to 45 percent more fuel than is needed.