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Tips for all drivers: Difference between revisions

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Spend as much time at the same speed as possible.  Mileage is worst during acceleration.   
Spend as much time at the same speed as possible.  Mileage is worst during acceleration.   


Use cruise control whenever possible.
Use cruise control whenever possible, but only when the roads are flat.


===Slow down===
===Slow down===
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===Unload your trunk===
===Unload your trunk===
The more weight you carry, the more energy required to move it.
The more weight you carry, the more energy required to move it.
===Declutter the exterior===
Remove aftermarket bug and wind deflectors, and don't bother adding wings/spoilers, these things only add drag. If you have a removeable roof rack, remove it when not in use.


===Treat your automatic like a manual===
===Treat your automatic like a manual===
When you're stuck in traffic or waiting at a red light, drop your transmission into neutral to bring your engine's standing RPMs as low as possible
When you're stuck in traffic or waiting at a long red light, drop your transmission into neutral so it doesn't have to strain against the torque converter.


===Combine chores and trips===
===Combine chores and trips===
An engine runs most efficiently when warmed up.
An engine runs most efficiently when warmed up.

Revision as of 17:21, 26 July 2006

Dollers saved per year.gif

Drive conservatively

Aggressive driving (speeding and rapid acceleration/braking) can lower your gas mileage by as much as 20%.

Glide to stops and accelerate slowly and evenly.

Drive consistently

Spend as much time at the same speed as possible. Mileage is worst during acceleration.

Use cruise control whenever possible, but only when the roads are flat.

Slow down

Each 5 miles per hour you drive over 60 mph can reduce your fuel economy by 10%.

Don't sit idle

Idling gets 0 miles per gallon. Turn the engine off when stopped for extended periods of time.

Check your tire pressure

Keeping tires inflated to the recommended pressure can improve fuel economy by up to 5%.

Unload your trunk

The more weight you carry, the more energy required to move it.

Declutter the exterior

Remove aftermarket bug and wind deflectors, and don't bother adding wings/spoilers, these things only add drag. If you have a removeable roof rack, remove it when not in use.

Treat your automatic like a manual

When you're stuck in traffic or waiting at a long red light, drop your transmission into neutral so it doesn't have to strain against the torque converter.

Combine chores and trips

An engine runs most efficiently when warmed up.