Fuel Saving Tips

► When buying a car, look for models that offer the best fuel economy in theirrn class. For most drivers, anrn optional larger and/or more-powerful engine is unnecessary.

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► Maintain your car according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Modern carsrn don’t need “tune ups,” butrn regular service will ensure optimum fuel economy, performance and longevity.

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► Take your car to a repair shop as soon as possible if the “Check Engine” lightrn comes on. This indicates arn problem that is causing excessive emissions and likely reducing fuel economy.

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► Keep tires properly inflated. Underinflation reduces fuel economy, but morern importantly, tires low on airrn degrade handling and braking, wear more rapidly and can overheat and blowout.

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► Slow down and drive the speed limit. On the highway, aerodynamic drag causes fuelrn economy to drop offrn significantly as speeds increase above 50 mph.

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► Avoid “jackrabbit” starts and hard acceleration. These actions greatly increasern fuel consumption.

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► To idle or not to idle.

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► Avoid extended idling to warm up the engine, even in winter. It’s unnecessary andrn wastes fuel.

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► Avoid prolonged idling in general. If your car will be stopped for more than 60rn seconds, shut off the enginern to save fuel. Many newer cars have automatic engine stop-start systems that do this.

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► When driving in town, adjust your speed to “time” the traffic lights. This reducesrn repeated braking andrn acceleration that consume additional fuel.

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► When approaching a red light or stop sign, take your foot off the gas early andrn allow your car to coast downrn to a slower speed until it is time to brake.

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► Accelerate smoothly with light to moderate throttle. This allows the automaticrn transmission to upshift intorn higher gears sooner, reducing engine rpm and saving fuel.

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► Use cruise control to help maintain a constant speed and save fuel. However, neverrn use cruise control onrn slippery roads because a loss of vehicle control could result.

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► If your car has a manual transmission, upshift as soon as you can withoutrn “lugging” the engine. Whenrn practical, you can also save fuel by skip-shifting – for example, going directly from first gear to third.

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The practices above will definitely help improve fuel economy. Also keep these more general fuel saving tips inrn mind:

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► Minimize your use of air conditioning. Even at highway speeds, open windows havern less effect on fuel economyrn than the engine power required to operate the air conditioning compressor.

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► Plan ahead to accomplish multiple errands in one trip, and whenever possiblern travel outside high-trafficrn times of day.

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► If you own more than one car, use the most fuel efficient model that meets thern needs of any given journey.rn

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► In hot weather, park in the shade or use a windshield sunscreen to lessen heatrn buildup inside the car. Thisrn reduces the need for air conditioning (and thus fuel) to cool down the car.

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► Remove unnecessary and bulky items from your car. It takes more fuel to acceleratern a heavier car, and thern reduction in fuel economy is greater for small cars than larger models.

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► Minimize your use of roof racks and remove special carriers when not in use. Onrn the highway even an emptyrn bike, canoe or ski rack can reduce fuel economy, and a loaded rack or car-top container will have a major effect onrn gas mileage.

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► Research has found that unless premium fuel is recommended or required by yourrn car’s manufacturer, it providesrn no added benefit. Motorists should refer to their vehicle’s owner’s manual to check which type of gasoline isrn recommended for their engine.rn

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