Efficient Driving



Certain driving habits such as speeding, aggressive driving, and idling can cause your vehicle to use more gas than usual. When on the open highway, stay within the speed limits. Driving above 60 or flooring the pedal on a continuous basis will cause your vehicle to use more fuel. Avoid fast starts and stops and always drive gently.

Try to run errands all in one long trip instead of breaking them into several short trips. For instance, if you need to buy groceries and later you plan to drop by the bank or post office, try to do all three errands in one trip. Frequent short trips with cold engine starts can burn twice the gas. Hauling heavy objects can also decrease your car's gas mileage. Increase gas mileage by removing extra weight from the car, such as a trunk full of unnecessary items. When traveling for vacation, pack as lightly as possible. Excess weight of 100 pounds or more can decrease fuel economy by about two percent. Also for long trips, use cruise control when possible for a gas mileage increase and emission reduction.

Auto Maintenance for Better Gas Mileage

Proper maintenance on your car when needed is a tremendous gas saver. Tune your engine occasionally and keep your tires aligned and properly inflated at all times. These can improve gas mileage by about three percent. Also, change the oil regularly. If possible, opt for the oil labeled "energy conserving" to increase gas mileage and reduce emissions. Replace the air filters on a regular basis to enjoy up to a ten percent gas mileage improvement.

Octane Levels and Gas Mileage

When pumping gas, choose the octane level that's recommended for your car in the owner's manual. For most automobiles, regular gasoline is recommended. Buying the higher priced premium gasoline will not improve gas mileage or reduce emissions.

Fuel Savings with Additives

Certain fuel additives can help improve gas mileage and reduce emissions. Some fuel additives will increase engine performance by slowing the burning of short hydrocarbons in gasoline and by quickening the burning of longer hydrocarbons. This helps to eliminate pre and post ignition detonation, giving a more complete fuel burn at the spark on the power stroke. You can also combine a gas additive with an oil additive for even better results.

Though fuel savings are not drastic with each of these steps alone, combining these steps on a regular basis can make a big difference. You'll be able to enjoy a gas mileage increase and emission reduction without spending thousands of dollars on a new automobile.