Driver Alert: Gas $aving Tips Ahead - Printable Version
Driver Alert: Gas $aving Tips Ahead
BEFORE YOU TAKE THE DRIVER’S SEAT, FIRST ASK YOURSELF:
Is this trip necessary?
Could I walk, bike, or take transit instead?
Could I comparison shop via phone, newspaper ads, or internet?
Do they deliver? Could I order online?
Could I take care of multiple chores in one place?
Could I park in one central spot and walk from place to place?
Could I share rides with a neighbor (to school, work, etc.)?
Could I telecommute for work? Or adjust my work schedule to avoid rush hour congestion?
Plan ahead and consolidate trips/errands to cut down on driving time and miles. Many short trips taken from a cold start can use twice as much fuel as a longer, multipurpose trip covering the same distance when the engine is warm.
VEHICLE TIPS:
When shopping for a new vehicle, compare the Environmental Protection Agency fuel economy labels. Check out this site for gas mileage estimates.
If you own more than 1 vehicle, use the more fuel-efficient vehicle as often as possible.
Regular maintenance and tune-ups, replacing clogged air filters, and oil changes with the recommended grade of oil all can improve your gas mileage, reduce emission, and extend your car’s life. Check air and fuel filters twice a year.
Periodically inflate tires to maximum limit (check pressure MONTHLY; best when cold ). Keep them aligned and balanced for better mileage and longer tire life. When shopping for tires, remember radial designs are more fuel-efficient.
Keep brakes properly adjusted. Dragging brakes increase resistance.
Make sure you’re using the right octane for your vehicle. You may be spending more on higher-octane fuel than you need. Check out this site to find out more.
Buy gas during the coolest time of day when gas is at its densest. In warm weather fuel expansion can cause overflow. Avoid "topping off" your tank to keep gas fumes in your car and not in the air (stop after the first "click" of the fuel nozzle). Make sure your gas cap fits properly.
Pack light. A loaded roof rack can decrease fuel economy by approximately 5 percent. Don’t use your trunk for storage or haul more than you have to. Every 100 pounds you carry in your car reduces a typical vehicle’s fuel economy by up to 2%.
Remove vinyl tops or covers as they cause air drag. Rough surfaces disturb smooth airflow around a vehicle’s body.
Use snow tires/chains as little as possible. They make your vehicle work harder and use more gasoline.
DRIVING TIPS:
No need to sit and warm up your engine, even on cold mornings. For today’s cars, 30 seconds is enough time to wait before you start driving.
No need to "rev" your engine when starting or turning it off. It wastes gas and wears out cylinders.
If you must stop for more than 30 seconds, don’t idle your vehicle. Today’s engines are more fuel-efficient if you turn it off and restart it. Idling wastes gas unnecessarily and get you 0 miles per gallon. Turn it off and gain up to 19% in fuel economy. (Click here to learn more about idling your vehicle)
Turn off your vehicle if waiting over 30 seconds for a train or bridge.
Always use the shortest, straightest route. Check traffic reports to avoid traffic jams and other delays.
Drive the speed limit at a steady speed rather than slowing down and speeding up. Traffic lights are timed, therefore steadily driving at the speed limit increases your chances of getting more "green" lights.
Not only is it safer at the speed limit (and you’re less likely to get a speeding ticket), but the faster you drive, the more fuel you burn. Cars get about 21% more mileage at 55 mph than at 65 or 70 mph. Every 5 mph driven over 60 mph equates to paying another $0.20 per gallon.
Accelerate slowly when starting from a dead stop. Don’t push the pedal down more than ¼ of the total foot travel. Drive sensibly, not aggressively, and get 5 – 33% better gas mileage.
Avoid rapid braking. Observe the cars ahead, be alert for slowdowns and red lights, and decelerate by coasting when possible. Slowing down in advance of needing to stop not only saves fuel, but also it’s easier on vehicle components. This is an easy way to gain major savings.
Using cruise control at high speeds can smooth out the driver’s accelerator input by preventing "surging", and can improve mileage by up to 14%. The only exception is when driving in mountainous areas.
Use overdrive gears, if possible, to save gas and reduce engine wear. Traveling fast in low gears consumes up to 45% more gas than needed.
Manual transmission allows you to change to highest gear as soon as possible. This lets you save gas if you "nurse it along", rather than lugging the engine (which wears down engine parts faster).
Open windows at highway speeds cause air drag and reduce mileage by 10%.
If possible, avoid driving during rush hour and other peak traffic periods.
Use the air conditioner conservatively. Use an "economy" or "recirculation" setting if available. Both settings can reduce the load on the air conditioning, and save gas.
For more great tips on how to conserve resources and count your emissions, visit these websites:
Oregon Environmental Council's Drive Green, Save Green
