1). Don’t be a lead foot.
Putting the “pedal to the metal” wastes gas because the harder you accelerate the more fuel waste. Press the accelerator pedal gently. A good rule of thumb for optimal fuel efficient driving is to take about five seconds to accelerate your vehicle up to 15 miles per hour from a stop. For a manual transmission, use a moderate throttle position and shift between 2,000 and 2,500 RPMs.
2). Aggressive tactics like speeding and stop-and-go driving waste gas and can actually lower your gas mileage by 33% at highway speeds and 5% around town. Driving sensibly not only improves fuel economy, it also keeps everyone safer on the road. Keep it steady. Dips in speed combined with spurts of acceleration can increase your fuel use by up to 20 percent. One easy fuel efficient driving technique is using cruise control on the highway.
3). Check your tires.
Another easy way to improve your fuel economy is by keeping your tires properly inflated. Use a pressure gauge regularly to check all four of your tires. (Your vehicle’s recommended tire pressure information is usually located on the driver’s side door jamb or in the glove box. If you can’t find it there, check your owner’s manual.) It’s best to keep pressure slightly lower in hot weather, and slightly higher in colder weather. Properly inflated tires also keep you safer on the road.
4). Don’t slam on the brakes.
Sometimes, to avoid an accident, you have no choice. But in regular driving situations, coasting toward a stop sign or red light helps you conserve fuel and save money. It’s not only a fuel efficient driving habit, it’s also easier on your tires and brakes, which helps you save on maintenance and repair costs.
5). Slow down.
While every model is different, most vehicles’ gas mileage starts to tank at speeds above 50 mph. Look at it like this: every 5 MPH you drive over 50 MPH is like paying an extra quarter for a gallon of gas. Slowing down can also save you money on those speeding tickets and insurance costs.
