Fuel Saving Tips
Stopped? Turn off your engine
If you're going to be sitting in your car with the engine running for more than 30 seconds or so, it saves fuel (which would be zero mpg at a standstill) to turn the engine off. Hybrids are famous for this, and it's a bit trickier to do in a regular car, but if you're at a long light, or waiting in a long line of cars, it does decrease fuel usage to simply turn off your car's engine.
posted by mathowie on August 1, 2008
this tip works for 70% of voting Fuelly members.
Use Cruise Control Often
On steady flat roads (especially at higher speeds), cruise control can save a lot of fuel by limiting accelerations and generally resulting in a smoother, more efficient trip.
posted by mathowie on July 31, 2008
this tip works for 82% of voting Fuelly members.
Keep Your Distance in Traffic
When driving in stop and go traffic, try to keep a couple car-lengths of distance in front of you to minimize the chances of having to come to a complete stop (which requires you to start again, using more fuel). By maintaining some distance and a steady very slow speed, you can carry your momentum through traffic and save fuel.
posted by mathowie on July 31, 2008
this tip works for 97% of voting Fuelly members.
Don't drive
It's obvious of course, but a great way to save fuel on all the short errand trips you do from home is to either walk, ride a bike, or at the very least cluster your errands into fewer trips. Riding/walking will also keep you healthy as well as save money and fuel.
posted by mathowie on July 31, 2008
this tip works for 76% of voting Fuelly members.
Keep Filters Clean
Changing your oil filter and air filters as recommended is a good way to keep your engine running more efficiently and saving more fuel. Oil changes are common but you might forget to change the air filter often enough. Try it and you may see an increase in power and gas mileage if it's been a while.
posted by mathowie on July 31, 2008
this tip works for 96% of voting Fuelly members.
Kill the Jackrabbit
Punching the gas from a stop (aka "jackrabbit starts") is a great way to waste fuel. You can optimize gas by starting from a stop slowly and gradually. Generally, drive as if you are taking a baby home from the hospital -- smooth, slow, and careful, to save the most fuel possible.
posted by mathowie on July 31, 2008
this tip works for 86% of voting Fuelly members.
Slow it down
As much as I love to drive fast, it's a fact that you're on the freeway and you are driving beyond 65mph, your fuel economy will go down. As much as I like getting home faster by driving 80mph, going 55mph saves several mpg.
posted by mathowie on July 31, 2008
this tip works for 91% of voting Fuelly members.
Save weight, save fuel
Don't leave heavy items you don't need in your car's trunk or truck bed. Put away tools, golf clubs, skis, whatever and watch your mileage go up. I noticed my car lost 2-3mpg when fully loaded on a long car trip, and returned to normal when emptied.
posted by mathowie on July 31, 2008
this tip works for 96% of voting Fuelly members.
Keep Tires Properly Inflated
You can improve your gas mileage by around 3.3 percent by keeping your tires inflated to the proper pressure. Under-inflated tires can lower gas mileage by 0.4 percent for every 1 psi drop in pressure of all four tires. Properly inflated tires are safer and last longer. (from fueleconomy.gov.)
posted by pb on July 25, 2008
this tip works for 98% of voting Fuelly members.
Keep Tires Properly Inflated
You can improve your gas mileage by around 3.3 percent by keeping your tires inflated to the proper pressure. Under-inflated tires can lower gas mileage by 0.4 percent for every 1 psi drop in pressure of all four tires. Properly inflated tires are safer and last longer. (from fueleconomy.gov.)
posted by pb on July 25, 2008
this tip works for 84% of voting Fuelly members.
