Go easy on the brakes and gas pedal. Make acceleration and braking a gradual process. Avoid sudden speed changes and drive smoothly. Your passengers will also appreciate it.
Avoid long idles. Turn off the engine if you anticipate a lengthy wait. Use the 3 car rule: If there's more than 3 cars ahead of you in line at a drive-up window, park the car and go in. You will save gas and time. Idling burns more gas than restarting the engine.
Clean out your car. Extra weight decreases gas mileage. Depending on the size of your car, expect to lose about 1% efficiency for For every 100 lbs. Also, reduce drag by placing items inside the car or trunk rather than on roof racks, or use about 10% more gas.
Know your car, then choose your comfort: At highway speeds, AC uses about the same or a teeny bit less gas than having your windows open (depending on what type of vehicle you have, speed, how much window(s) is/are open. ) Toodleing about town, there is far less wind resistance, so open windows provide less drag. So, at about 45 mph and less, it's slightly more efficient to roll your windows down. Other things to consider: the more aerodynamic your car, the greater impact an open window will have at highway speeds. Fan speed has no effect on gas mileage. The difference of the ambient temperature of the cabin vs. the desired temperature can also affect the whole AC Vs. Open Window outcome.
If possible, avoid high speeds. You can improve your gas mileage about 15 percent by driving at 55 mph rather than 65 mph. B.N.: Use the right lane when you are driving more slowly than the rest of traffic.
If you have it, use it: cruise control and overdrive. Use of the overdrive gear as soon as your speed is high enough. If you have a manual transmission, the lower the shift speed, the better the fuel economy.
Keep tires properly inflated and aligned. Periodic wheel alignments and keeping tires inflated to the maximum recommended pressure will improve your gas mileage. Just one tire 6 psi low can take up 2% more gas. A poorly aligned car is even more inefficient.
Get regular maintenance checks. You will improve performance, save money, avoid unnecessary breakdowns as well as gas mileage. Check your owner's manual for recommended maintenance schedules. If you can't find yours, give us a call. We have an up-to-date database of manufacturers' maintenance recommendations.
Sources: US EPA, US FTC, & NRCan
HOW TO SAVE GAS
(and money, time, the environment, and all that schtuff)
