Driving Tips for Fuel Economy
Fuel prices rise and fall many times throughout the year. Unfortunately, no matter how high the prices of gas are you’ll still need to fill up eventually. Unlike other items, you can’t just wait for the prices to go back down before filling up your tank. While you can’t control how much you pay for a gallon of gas you can control how much gas you use. Using fuel properly is known as fuel economy and you may need some driving tips for fuel economy.
The best driving tips for fuel economy can help you save money on gas by making sure a gallon of gas last for as long as it can.
Easy on the Pedal
Having a lead foot refers to someone who presses the gas pedal all the way down to the floor while driving. However, pressing the gas pedal all the way is a good way to use up a lot of gas in a short period of time. Instead of pressing it all the way, ease onto the gas pedal from a complete stop. Give your car time to gain speed, about 5 seconds per every 15 miles per hour. Doing so will help your vehicle consume less gas as you get to the speed you need to be at while driving.
Drive Smart
Many safety rules require people to think ahead. When driving on the freeway, drivers should pay attention to the third car in front of them. Similarly, drivers should plan how they accelerate based on the road ahead of them as well as obstacles that may enter their path. For example, if you’re on a road that will be going downhill, allow the momentum of your car to take you to the bottom.
Cruise Control
Cruise control not only helps drivers keep a steady speed but also helps drivers save fuel. One of the best driving tips for fuel economy is to use cruise control as often as possible. Dips in speed will often cause drivers to accelerate more as well. More acceleration means more gas being used. Keep a steady speed to avoid feeling like you need to accelerate more.
Approaching Stops
Most drivers get very familiar with the roads they use most often and know when a stop sign or signal is coming up. Allow your car to coast to a stop instead of slamming on your brakes when it’s time to stop. You may need to slam on your brakes due to an unexpected obstacle and there’s nothing wrong with that. However, if you know a stop is coming, let your car coast to that stop to save on gas. This driving tip for fuel economy will also help your tires and brakes last longer.
Don’t Speed
The official U.S. government source for fuel economy, FuelEconomy.gov, says that for every 5 MPH over 50 you do adds 14 cents to each gallon. By speeding, you use more gas and run the risk of getting a ticket or worse, getting into an accident. Avoid all of the above by just obeying the speed limits and watching your speed.
Cargo
Most of the cargo we carry is inside of our vehicle however, many of us have rooftop cargo bins. These bins are a great way to add storage space to our vehicles but hurt our fuel economy greatly. Roof-top cargo can reduce fuel economy by up to 25% depending on speeds and roadways. This decrease comes from an increase in aerodynamic drag or wind resistance. While we may need a roof-top cargo bin during a trip, be sure to take it off as soon as possible.
