MenuFuel Economy Tips
Want better gas mileage? Implement these fuel economy tips by driving more efficiently, maintaining your automobile, and planning your errands. Some automobiles provide better fuel economy, so consider choosing a more fuel efficient vehicle. Your gas mileage depends upon the choices you make.
Fuel Economy Tips to Improve your Gas Mileage
Implementing the follow fuel economy tips will help save you money, protect the environment and reduce our dependancy on oil imports.
- Drive more efficiently
- Observe the speed limit. Fuel economy deteriorates rapidly at speeds above 60 mph.
- Avoid speeding, rapid acceleration, and heavy braking.
- Clean out your car. Reducing the weight helps with the gas mileage.
- Avoid long idle times. Not moving gets you zero miles per gallon.
- Use your automobiles cruise control for more consistant speed.
- Use your automobiles overdrive gears when appropriate.
- Whenever possible, use your trunk instead of a roof rack or cargo carrier to reduce drag.
- Maintain your automobile
- Change the oil, oil filter, air filter, and spark plugs at regular intervals, so your car's engine does not have to work so hard.
- Keep your tires inflated at the recommended rate. Look for the sticker on the driver's door.
- Use the grade of oil recommend for your automobile and for the local weather. Look for the words "Energy Conserving" on the label.
- Use the recommended octane when fueling your vehicle. If your automobile is not designed for high octane gasoline, why waste the money?
- Do not top off the tank. Gasoline may overflow, especially on a hot day.
- Plan your trips and errands
- Avoid rush hour traffic when possible.
- Join a car pool for work and for taking your kids to school.
- Ask your boss if you can work from home some days.
- Plan your errands so you drive less often.
- Buy a more fuel efficient vehicle
- Track your gas mileage
- Keep a small notebook in your vehicle. Jot down the mileage driven and the gallons of gas purchased each time you fill-up. Calculate your miles per gallon by dividing the number of miles by the number of gallons. See if your fuel economy improves after implementing these tips.
For more fuel economy tips, visit fueleconomy.gov