Driving Habits; How To Drive Efficiently:

The single most important factor in achieving maximum fuel economy is driving habits. Here are 15 key tips that will help you get better fuel economy. Break the habit, save a buck.

1. Heavy acceleration and aggressive driving will dramatically increase fuel consumption. Be patient, accelerate at a moderate speed, and resist the urge to pass in order to maximize fuel economy.

2. Lighten your load. The more weight in your vehicle, the more effort it takes your engine to accelerate and keep constant speed. Remove heavy items from your vehicle to risk wasting precious fuel.

3. Every vehicle achieves maximum efficiency at a different speed. However, for most vehicles, driving faster then 55 miles per hour will decrease your fuel economy 0.1 mpg for every 1 MPH increase over 55. This is due to increased engine RPM and reduced aerodynamic efficiency at higher speeds. For best fuel economy, stay under 55. On the freeway, drive the speed limit.

4. Idling gets you 0 miles to gallon. As a general rule of thumb, turn the vehicle off if you will be idle for more then 1 minute. Allowing your vehicle to idle excessively will lower your fuel economy.

5. If your vehicle is equipped with one, use the cruise control. Your vehicle's computer will keep you moving at a constant speed more efficiently then the driver will.

6. For vehicles equipped with overdrive, make sure it is on. Overdrive gears lower engine RPM at cruising speed, therefore consuming less fuel.

7. Avoid excessive traffic at all costs. Plan your trips so that you can be on the road with the least amount of traffic as possible. Avoiding stop and go traffic will help your fuel economy.

8. using the air conditioning puts extra load on the engine, therefore reducing fuel mileage. However, having the windows rolled down at highway speeds will lower fuel mileage more so than using the air conditioning. At slower speeds, keep the windows down. But at highway speeds, do not be afraid to use the AC.

9. Combine errands to reduce the amount of miles you drive. Save time, money, and reduce fuel consumption.

10. Remove roof racks and carrier crates from your vehicle to decrease wind resistance.

11. Carpooling can cut your weekly fuel costs in half.

12. Make sure your tires are properly inflated and your vehicle is well maintained. Keeping your engine running properly and efficiently will ensure you are getting the best mileage.

13. If your commute is long enough, it may be in your best interest to trade in the gas-guzzler for a hybrid, diesel, or other more efficient vehicle.

14. As you drive, make sure to monitor fuel prices at the local gas stations. Two stations a block apart could be selling fuel for very different prices.

15. Do not increase speed or throttle position on hills. Do not be afraid to lose speed uphill and coast down hill.