Fuel Savings Tips

There are numerous benefits to driving with a mind toward fuel efficiency. With gas prices averaging over $4 / gallon, saving money is certainly a benefit we can all get behind. But what about air quality?

The average light-duty vehicle sold in the U.S. in 2006 gets an estimated 20.2 miles per gallon. This equates to over 7 tons of CO2 and nearly 150 pounds of smog-forming air pollutants per year (assuming 15,000 miles driven per year).

New technologies are being developed to reduce and hopefully eliminate the harmful effects of automobiles. When looking for a new vehicle, consider buying a hybrid or a vehicle that runs on alternative fuels such as natural gas. Until that time, please consider the following methods to increase your fuel efficiency, save the air and pad your pocketbook.

On the Road

Reduce your speed
- Fuel efficiency decreases rapidly at speeds above 60 MPH
Avoid aggressive driving
- You can improve your fuel mileage up to 5% around town if you avoid "jackrabbit" starts and stops by anticipating traffic conditions and driving gently.
Avoid idling
- A mere 10 seconds of idling uses as much fuel as turning a vehicle off and restarting it.
Combine errands
- Several short trips taken from a cold start can use twice as much fuel as one trip covering the same distance when the engine is warm.
Use cruise control and overdrive
- Cruise control and overdrive gears help maintain your vehicle's fuel consumption at its lowest rate.
Remove excess weight
- An extra 100 pounds in the trunk can reduce a typical car's fuel economy by up to 2%
Avoid packing items on top or your car
- A loaded roof rack or carrier creates wind resistance and can decrease fuel economy by 5%.
Use lowest octane rated for your vehicle
- Your owner's manual recommends the most effective octane level for your car. For most cars, the recommended gasoline is regular octane. Unless your engine is knocking, buying higher octane gasoline is a waste of money.
Avoid left turns

At the Garage

Keep your engine tuned
- Tuning your engine according to your owner's manual can increase fuel mileage by an average of 4%.
Keep tires properly inflated
- Properly inflated tires reduce the rolling resistance of the tires on the road. Tires with below recommended tire pressure can decrease your fuel efficiency by up to 3%.
Routine oil changes
- According to the DOE and EPA, you can improve your fuel mileage by using the manufacturer's recommended grade of motor oil. Motor oil that says "Energy Conserving" on the performance symbol of the American Petroleum Institute contains friction-reducing additives that can improve fuel economy.
Check air filter regularly
- A clogged air filter can decrease your fuel efficiency by up to 10%.