Fuel is expensive these days. And if you’re like us, you’re into using all the tips and tricks possible to stretch every last ounce of travel from each tank. While it’s no secret that slowing down is a big saver, we’ll repeat the numbers for you as a reminder: The Union of Concerned Scientists reports that dropping from 70 to 60 mph improves fuel efficiency by an average of 17.2 percent. And get this: dropping from 75 to 55 improves fuel efficiency by 30.6 percent. While you may not be able to let up that much on the pedal each time you’re behind the wheel, here’s a list of what we consider to be the best and easiest ways to drive more efficiently. And if you haven’t already, be sure to check out these Thrifty-Drive techniques—a sure-win way to be an eco-driver.
- Keep track of mileage - Use your fuel consumption display or keep a small notebook in the glove box and record your fill-ups and miles.
- Choose the scenic route – The less-busy, road-less-traveled avenues will allow you to practice more fuel-saving techniques than being stuck bumper-to-bumper.
- Leave extra time – When you leave early enough for your destination, you won’t feel as pressured to put the pedal to the metal and you’ll be able to employ gentle driving techniques.
- Cruise with traffic – Flowing with freeway traffic when possible can decrease wind resistance—but only if you’re staying within a reasonable speed (65 or less).
- Anticipate your terrain – Looking ahead and knowing what’s coming can help you maximize where you can coast to a stop or take advantage of downhill speeds to make it around a corner or up a gentle slope. The key is to stop accelerating well before a stop. The challenge is to stay conscious.
- Beware of unnecessary idling - Drive-thru convenience windows can lead to excessive fuel-wasting idling (fortunately, hybrids use smart auto-stop). Or if you make short trips into the minute mart—shut the car off. Only a twist of the wrist and you’ll be on your way again.
- Use the center lane - On multi-lane highways, the center lane offers the most flexibility—speeding drivers can pass on the left and merging/exiting traffic is on the right.
- Avoid rush hour – Peak traffic times with full roads leave you with a lower ability to employ smart eco-driving options.
- Time traffic lights – When approaching a traffic signal, look at the perpendicular lane’s light to see if it’s starting to change. If it’s changing to yellow, it pays to slow down so that you don’t have to come to a complete stop.
- Pay attention to aerodynamics – The more windows and sunroofs are kept closed, the less aerodynamic drag.
- Maintain a steady throttle – Keep the throttle position constant with small adjustments for efficiency. On non-highway traveling, this is more effective than cruise control.
- Limit cruise control to freeways - Cruise control is most efficient only in highway/freeway situations.
- Minimize the need to brake – The less you brake, the less you have to accelerate to capture lost momentum.
- Go easy on the pedal – Ever hear the adage “Drive like there’s an egg between your foot and the pedal?” It’s one that can make a big difference in saving fuel—especially in heavy traffic, when driving stress can translate into a tense-ness that has your foot pushing harder on the pedal than is necessary.
- Challenge yourself - Maximizing fuel economy can be made into a game. It’s like sharpening any skill--there’s a feeling of accomplishment when you constantly improve your fuel mileage.
- Attend a hybrid owner’s class or join an online forum - Learn ways to increase your fuel economy by talking to others who share your enthusiasm and goals.
- Yield the way – If you’re feeling pushed in traffic, it’s best to pull aside and allow aggressive drivers to move ahead. Aggressive drivers may cause you to drive less efficiently, so it’s best to let them be on their way.
- Parking smarts – When parking, look for pull-through slots and, obviously, don’t circle the lot looking for the closest spots. It’s more efficient to park in a space that’s further away and allows for pull-through when leaving.
- Choose efficient – If you have multiple vehicles, choose the one that is warm or gets the job done with the best fuel economy.
- Use common sense – From maintaining an appropriate three-second distance from the car in front of you to driving the posted speed and anticipating upcoming changes, it’s about doing what’s smart. Just like you wouldn’t drive in 4-wheel mode when it’s not icy or snowy, paying attention to all the nuances of the road and your vehicle will help you become aware of even more ways to save.
Have any more good, easy, fuel-saving tips? Write us and let us know—we’d love to share them!