Avoid unnecessary trips. Use the telephone or e-mail to communicate.
When possible, don't drive--walk or ride a bike to your destination.
if possible, join a carpool or use public transit to and from work or
school.
Don't idle the car for more than one minute.
Drive the speed limit, or below, for better mileage.
Overdrive gears improve the fuel economy of you car during highway
driving.
Avoid sudden bursts of speed, tailgating and pumping the accelerator
pedal. Gradual starts and stops result in less fuel use and less wear and
tear.
Out on the open highway, keep windows rolled up to reduce drag.
Using a vehicle's air conditioner on a hot summer day can decrease
mileage. Use the flow-through ventilation on your car instead of the air
conditioner.
Travel during off-peak hours when possible. Anticipating traffic
conditions ahead and not tailgating can improve gas mileage by 5 to 10
percent. This driving strategy is safer, and reduces wear on tires and
brakes.
Take the shortest route with the best roads.
Use the cruise control -- it can save fuel by maintaining a steady speed.
Keep tires at the recommended air pressure.
Keep your car engine properly tuned. Improve mileage by up to 40 percent
by replacing a faulty oxygen sensor.
Check and replace air filters regularly. Replacing a clogged or dirty air
filter can improve your car's gas mileage by as much as 10 percent, and a
clean filter keeps impurities from damaging the inside of your engine.
If you own more than one vehicle, drive the one that gets better gas
mileage.
Excess weight uses more fuel. Remove unnecessary items from inside the
vehicle, trunk or truck bed. Remove bicycle and ski racks when not in use.
Use the lowest octane gasoline recommended for you vehicle by the
manufacturer.
When buying, leasing, or renting a new car, make fuel efficiency a
priority. Don't buy a bigger engine or vehicle than you need.
