1. Drive intelligently; don't make fast starts or sudden
stops. You're just overexerting your engine and burning extra fuel. Gradual
acceleration also helps automatic transmissions run better. Engine-revving
wastes fuel, too.
2. Lighten up on the accelerator. The faster you drive, the more gas you use.
Speed limits have gone up around most of the nation, but you don't have to see
your fuel consumption go up drastically as well. For example, driving at 55 mph
rather than 65 mph can improve your fuel economy by two miles per gallon
3. Avoid long warm-ups. Even on cold winter mornings, your car doesn't need
more than a minute to get ready to go. Anything more and you're just burning up
that expensive fuel.
4. Combine errands into one trip and plan your stops for the most efficient
route. You'll save yourself time and money.
5. Do not rest your left foot on the brake. The slightest pressure could cause
a drag that will demand additional gas use -- and wear out the brakes sooner.
6. Tighten up that gas cap. Make sure it's on securely. Buy a new one if your
current cap doesn't fit snugly. Gas easily evaporates from the tank if it has a
way to escape.
7.. Be smart with the air conditioning. On the highway, closed windows decrease
air resistance, so run the air conditioner. But in stop-and-go traffic,
shutting off the air conditioning and opening the windows can lighten your fuel
use. Air conditioning can lower your fuel economy by 10 percent to 20 percent.\
8. Remove snow tires in good weather. Deep tread and big tires use more fuel.
