Fuel efficient driving tips

Follow these easy-to-use Fuel Efficient Driving Tips to help you achieve the most fuel economy from your vehicle.

1. Use Smooth Accelerator and Brake Pedal Application
● Avoid rapid starts and stops
● Use smooth, gentle accelerator and brake application whenever possible
● Maintain constant speed while commuting and coast whenever possible

2. Maintain Constant Speed
● Look ahead to try and anticipate and minimize stops
● Synchronizing your speed with traffic lights allows you to reduce your number of stops
● Maintaining a steady speed can minimize red light stops and improve fuel efficiency

3. Use Air Conditioning (A/C) at Higher Vehicle Speeds
● Below 40 MPH (64 km/h), it is more efficient to open windows to cool the vehicle due to reduced engine load
● Above 40 MPH (64 km/h), it is more efficient to use A/C to cool the vehicle due to increased aerodynamic drag
● Recirculating the cool air in the cabin when the A/C is on reduces cooling load

4. Drive at Economical Speeds and Distances
● Observing the speed limit and not exceeding 60 MPH (97 km/h) (where legally allowed) can improve fuel efficiency due to reduced aerodynamic drag
● Maintaining a safe following distance behind other vehicles reduces unnecessary braking
● Safely monitoring traffic to anticipate changes in speed permits reduced braking and smooth acceleration changes ● Select a gear range suitable to road conditions.

5. Use Cruise Control
● Using cruise control during highway driving helps maintain a steady speed
● Cruise control is particularly effective in providing fuel savings when driving on flat terrains

6. Plan for the Shortest Route
● Utilize a map or navigation system to determine the best route to save time

7. Avoid Idling
● Shutting off your engine when safe for stops exceeding 30–60 seconds saves fuel and reduces emissions

8. Buy an Automated Pass for Toll Roads
● Automated passes permit drivers to use special lanes to maintain cruising speed through the toll and avoid stopping and starting

9. Winter Warm Up
● Limit idling time to minimize impact to fuel economy
● Vehicles typically need no more than 30 seconds of idling at start-up to effectively circulate the engine oil before driving
● Your vehicle will reach its ideal operating temperature more quickly while driving versus idling

10. Keeping your Vehicle Cool
● Park your vehicle in a covered parking area or in the shade whenever possible
● When entering a hot vehicle, opening the windows will help to reduce the inside temperature faster, resulting in reduced demand on your A/C system

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