1. Avoid prolonged warming up of the engine, even on cold mornings – 30 to 45 seconds is plenty.
2. Avoid “reving” the engine, this wastes fuel needlessly.
3. Eliminate jack rabbit starts. Accelerate slowly when starting from a dead stop. Don’t push the pedal down more than ¼ of the total foot travel. This allows for peak fuel efficiency.
4. Buy gas at the coolest part of the day. (see gas pumping tips)
5. Choose type and brand of gas carefully. Certain brands will provide you with greater economy because of better quality.
6. Avoid over filling tank to the top. Overfilling results in sloshing over and out of the tank.
7. Keep windows closed when traveling at highway speeds. Open windows cause air drag, reducing your mileage by as much as 10%.
8. Drive steadily. Slowing down and speeding up wastes fuel. Avoid tailgating – the driver in front of you is unpredictable. Not only is it unsafe, but it affects yoru economy when they slow down unexpectedly.
9. When approaching hills accelerate before the hill not on it.
10. Don’t let your left foot rest on the brake pedal, even the slightest pressure will create drag.
11. Avoid rough roads whenever possible, because dirt or gravel rob you of up to 30% of your gas mileage.
12. Use alternate roads when safer, shorter and straighter. Compare traveling distance differences, remember that corners, curves and lane jumping requires extra gas. The shortest distance between 2 points is always a straight line.
13. Stop lights are usually timed for your motoring advantage. By traveling at the legal speed limit you increase your changes of having hitting more green lights along the way.
14. If possible park your car or truck to avoid backing up. Avoiding backing up saves gas.
15. Regular tune-ups ensure the best gas mileage.
16. Inspect wheel alignment and suspension parts for uneven wear, which creates engine drag.
17. Inflate all your tires to the maximum limit. When inflated tires roll easier again reducing drag.
18. Remove all excess weight from your vehicle. The more weight you are moving around the more fuel is needed to move it.
19. Car pool. This is a great way to have fun and have other riders chip in to help pay for gas!
20. During cold weather remove ice & snow from the undercarriage. It adds additional weight and increases wind drag.
21. Combine errands in the same trip.
22. When it’s time for a car downsize. Newer cars are more fuel efficient and roomier!
23. Don’t add bigger or wider tires. This may look good but it increases drag too.
24. Avoid driving, take the train, the bus, carpool, your bike or walk. All of them will save you money, wear & tear on your vehicle. A couple will even improve your health!!
