- Keep your tires properly inflated. Underinflated tires can decrease fuel efficiency by up to 3%.
- Avoid idling. Idling your engine for more than 30 seconds uses more gas than turning it off and restarting it.
- Accelerate and brake gradually. Jackrabbit starts and stops can waste gas.
- Use cruise control on the highway. Cruise control helps you maintain a steady speed, which can save gas.
- Combine errands. Running multiple errands in one trip can save you gas by reducing the number of times you need to start and stop your engine.
- Remove unnecessary weight from your car. Extra weight can reduce fuel efficiency.
- Get regular maintenance. A well-maintained car will run more efficiently and get better gas mileage.
Additional tips:
- Use the air conditioner sparingly, as it can reduce gas mileage by up to 20%.
- Avoid using the heater at full blast, as it can also reduce gas mileage.
- If you're driving in city traffic, try to avoid rush hour. Idling in traffic can waste a lot of gas.
- If you're planning on a long trip, try to drive during off-peak hours to avoid traffic congestion.