Tips for Fuel-Efficient Driving

With rising gas prices, both consumers and manufacturers alike are focused on finding ways to reduce fuel consumption and consequently, lower the impact of the never-ending oil price hike. Alternative Fuel, MPG, Fuel Economy Ratings, Hybrid Engine are quickly becoming catch phrases in the automotive industry as major automakers scramble to emerge with the most fuel efficient vehicles. But did you know that achieving fuel economy actually starts with you - the motorist?

Here are some simple driving tips and tricks on how to reduce your fuel consumption:

Drive smoothly: Aggressive driving can use as much as a third more fuel compared with conservative driving. Avoid accelerating or braking too hard, and try to keep the steering action as smooth as possible.

Use higher gears: The higher the gear, the lower the engine speed. This can improve fuel efficiency, so use the highest gear appropriate, without causing the engine to labor at an ultra-low rpm. Automatic transmission vehicles will upshift through the gears more quickly and smoothly if the driver eases back slightly on the accelerator when the car has gathered sufficient momentum.

Tune and service the engine: A well-tuned engine can improve fuel economy by up to 4 per-cent. Change the oil and always follow the car manufacturer’s recommendation on servicing.

Keep the tires properly inflated Tires with correct pressure are safer and last longer, and they also reduce the amount of energy required to keep the vehicle rolling. Under-inflated tires can lower gas mileage by 0.4 percent for every 1 psi drop in pressure of all four tires.

Avoid carrying excess weight: For every extra 100 pounds carried in a vehicle, the fuel efficiency can drop by 2 percent, so keep the trunk and rear seat clear of any unnecessary items that just add weight to the vehicle. If the roof rack or roof bars are not being used, remove them. They adversely affect the aerodynamic efficiency of the vehicle and create drag, reducing fuel economy by as much as 5 percent.

Use the correct engine oil: Always use the recommended grade of engine oil. Using the manufacturer’s recommended lubricant can improve fuel efficiency by 1 percent or 2 percent. Higher-quality engine oil can also help your engine operate more efficiently. Also, look for motor oil that says "Energy Conserving" on the API performance symbol to be sure it contains friction-reducing additives.

Avoid excess idling: Idling gets a vehicle nowhere, but still burns fuel. Turn the engine off when you’re waiting for someone, until you need to drive.

Observe the speed limit: The faster you travel, the more wind resistance you’ll encounter and the more fuel your vehicle will consume just to maintain speed. You can assume that each 5 mph you drive over 60 mph is like paying an additional $0.30 per gallon for gas.

Maintain the distance: Leaving a sensible distance between your car and the vehicle in front gives the driver ample time to anticipate obstacles and to brake evenly.

Use air conditioning sparingly: Air conditioning puts added strain on the engine and uses additional fuel when operating, so limit its use to particularly hot days. On temperate days, use the fan instead of air conditioning.

Check/replace the air filter regularly: The air filter keeps impurities from damaging your engine. Replacing a clogged air filter can improve fuel economy by as much as 10 percent while helping to protect your engine.

Smart commuting: If you can travel outside of the rush hour and avoid known traffic jam hotspots, you’ll spend less time stuck in slow-moving traffic, thus consuming less fuel. If possible, take advantage of carpools and ride-share programs. Consider telecommuting (working from home) if your employer permits it.

Conserve momentum: Think ahead when driving. For example, slow down early to let red traffic lights change to green, rather than stopping completely. Also, speed up a little before reaching the start of a hill and then allow the vehicle’s momentum to carry the vehicle up the hill without working the engine harder.

Keep calm: When drivers are not calm, they are more likely to make judgment errors. Fuel efficiency is all about smoothness. Judgment and keeping calm are absolutely crucial to achieving better fuel economy.

To learn more about how you can improve your gas mileage, visit www.fueleconomy.gov and The Chrysler Times.