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.