Slow down and maintain steady speed
- Drive 55 miles per hour instead of 65 to save fuel. The EPA estimates a 10-15 percent improvement in fuel economy by following this tip. Also, aim for a constant speed. Pumping the accelerator sends more fuel into the engine. Using cruise control whenever possible on the highway helps maintain speed and conserve fuel.
Relax - Aggressive driving wastes fuel
- Components such as brakes and tires will wear quickly. Accelerate smoothly from a stop and brake softly. Avoid fast starts, weaving in and out of traffic and hard braking. Maintain a safe distance between vehicles, and anticipate traffic conditions to allow for more time to brake and accelerate gradually.
No idling - Today's engines don't need a warm up
- Start the car immediately and gently drive away. Don't leave your car idling. Prolonged idling increases emissions and wastes fuel. Turn the engine off in non-traffic situations, such as at bank and fast food drive-up windows, when idling more than 30 seconds.