Before getting into your car, ask yourself "Is this trip necessary?"
On short trips, try walking or bicycling. It's good exercise.
Always use the shortest route and avoid sightseeing trips and bottlenecks.
Organize activities and perform as many errands as possible in one trip.
If possible, avoid driving during rush-hour & other peak traffic periods.
Shopping: Do they deliver? Try mail order & online shopping.
Make a list and do all the grocery shopping once or twice a week.
Let the kids run some of the errands. Let them walk to school, too.
Public transportation may be cheaper, especially when traveling alone. Consider car
pooling.
Pack as little in your car as necessary so it has less weight to carry.
Shop around for service stations with the lowest gasoline prices.
Don't speed. Cars can get about 21% more mileage at 55 mph than at 70 mph.
Better planning reduces the need for speeding, to get there in time.
When starting your car, don't idle it for more than 30 seconds, even in cold weather.
Today's cars are designed to be driven almost immediately.
If you must stop for more than 30 seconds, don't idle your car. The engine is more fuel
efficient if you turn it off and restart it.
Drive evenly with a steady foot.
Keep tires properly inflated at all times (Check tire pressure when cold).
Use air conditioning only when necessary Try opening the window.
Avoid "jackrabbit" starts. When starting, press accelerator slowly.
Avoid "panic stops." When possible, coast to stops such as at traffic lights.
Remove items that cause wind resistance, such as luggage racks.
Be sure to fully release the emergency brake before pulling away.
Never rev the engine before killing it. This wastes gas, and wears out cylinders.
Keep tuned to radio traffic reports & avoid traffic jams & other delays.
Make certain your gas cap fits properly.
Use the lowest octane gas that won't make your engine knock.
Do not "ride" the brake (resting a foot on the brake pedal) while driving.
Uses excessive gas & wears out the brakes.
Shift into high gear as soon as possible if manual transmission. If you have automatic
transmission, lift your foot from the accelerator about one second early.
Keep your car properly tuned for top fuel efficiency.
Keep brakes properly adjust Dragging brakes increases resistance.
Operate as small a car as possible for your driving needs.
Avoid cars with gas-consuming options such as air conditioning; power equipment such as
window, door locks, etc.; automatic transmission, etc.
In hot climates, drive a car with light colored exterior and interior, to reflect light,
heat. Tinted glass also prevents heat buildup.
Use radial tires for less friction between tire and road.
When driving, keep your eyes moving and your feet still!
Keep your steering wheel still too. The more you weave back and forth, the farther your
car has to travel and the more gas is consumed.
Don't overfill your gas tank. It could leak or spill in heat or on a hill.
Use snow tires and/or chains as little as necessary because they make your car work
harder and use more gasoline.
When you see a hill ahead, build up speed before you reach it, then maintain your speed
on the slope. Accelerating ON the hill uses much more fuel. Then coast down the other
side.
Keep wheels aligned for better mileage and longer tire life, too.
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