Fuel economy is not limited to the car you drive, but how you drive. Models manufactured after 2011 typically provide at least 23 miles to the gallon on the highway. Yet beyond driving a fuel efficient vehicle, drivers economize on fuel by instituting some basic driving habits.
- Stop idling. Turn off the engine when your car is parked. An idling engine wastes gas at a tune of up to three cents a minute in fuel loss. That doesn’t include the energy loss with a running heating or cooling system.
- Open the window. Air conditioning systems contribute their share of gas guzzling tendencies. In fact, it saves approximately 4 cents per minute.
- Lighten the load. Driving with minimal cargo complements fuel economy too. Heavier vehicles consume more gas than smaller vehicles. In fact, fuel economy studies shows that for every 100 pounds,a vehicles loses 2 percent of its fuel EcoSmart Fuel Economy Driving Habits Economy.
- Stop thoughtfully. Conserve gas mileage between stops. In residential neighborhoods, instead of flooring the gas pedal between stop signs, cut the speed, conserving on fuel consumption by five to 30 percent.
- Inflate the tires. Properly inflated tires complement fuel economy. Under-inflated tires waste several cents in gas mileage. Refer to the owner’s manual for the appropriate inflation level.
- Stay tuned. Uphold regular oil changes, auto parts’ replacements and engine tune ups to maximize fuel economy.
- Be a slow rider. Fuel Economy.gov reports that driving over a speed limit of 50 miles per hour is the equivalent to paying an extra quarter per gallon of gas.
