- Observing the Speed Limit
In highway driving, over 50% of the energy
required to move your car down the road goes to
overcoming aerodynamic drag (pushing air out of
the way). As you drive faster, aerodynamic drag
and rolling resistance increase. As a result, at
speeds above 55 mph, fuel economy decreases
rapidly.
By driving 65 mph instead of 70 mph , you'll save
gas. Of course it will take you longer to get to
your destination, but for each extra hour you
spend driving you'll save $5.00. Owners of larger
trucks and sport utility vehicles may save as much
as $10.00 for each extra hour spent driving.
Staying within the speed limit is not only a
matter of safety and obeying the law, it can also
save you money!
- Over-drive Gears
Over-drive gears improve the fuel economy of your
car during highway driving. When you use over-drive
gearing your car's engine speed decreases. This
reduces both fuel consumption and engine wear.
- Using Cruise Control
Using cruise control on highway trips can help you
maintain a constant speed and, in most cases, will
reduce your fuel consumption.
- Anticipating Traffic Situations
In city driving, nearly 50% of the energy needed
to power your car goes to acceleration. Unnecessary braking wastes that energy.
Avoid extreme acceleration except in emergency
situations. Hard acceleration causes your engine
to enter a less efficient "fuel enrichment mode"
of operation.
If you anticipate traffic conditions ahead of you
and don't tailgate, you can avoid unnecessary
braking and acceleration, and improve your fuel
economy by 5-10 %. This defensive driving strategy
is not only safer, it will also reduce wear on
your tires and brakes and save you money.
- Avoiding Unnecessary Idling
Warming up your car isn't necessary for most cars
today. No matter how efficient your car is,
unnecessary idling wastes fuel, costs you money,
and pollutes the air.
- Keep Your Tires Properly Inflated
Your tires are designed to operate at peak efficiency only when they are inflated to the proper air pressure. You can read the maximum inflated tire pressure on the sidewall of the tire. By adhering to these recommendations your car will not only get better tire wear, but you will get better fuel mileage because you'll have less rolling resistance.
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