8 Easy Ways to Use Less Gas

When gasoline and diesel prices are high, most of us look for ways to economize. Here are eight ways to save on fuel.

1. Combine trips and carpool when possible

Instead of making several short drives throughout the day, group errands into one outing to reduce miles driven. You also split the fuel cost among passengers.

2. Slow down

Most cars see sharp declines in fuel economy at speeds over 60 mph. Driving at 55 mph instead of 65 mph has been shown in many vehicles to improve fuel economy by between 4 mpg and 10 mpg.

3. Remove unneeded items from the cargo area, and don’t use the roof rack unnecessarily

Items carried outside the vehicle have a significant impact on wind resistance and, therefore, fuel consumption. These include items hitched to a rear bumper that are wider than the car.

4. Practice gentle, smooth driving

Accelerate slowly and then keep a steady speed when possible. Use cruise control if that helps.

5. Look ahead to anticipate shifts in traffic patterns

If you will need to reduce speed, lift off the accelerator and let the car slow down on its own without using the brakes. The more you brake, the more gasoline you burn. Similarly, avoid hard acceleration. Both rapid acceleration and hard braking add significantly to your fuel bill.

6. Keep your tires properly inflated

Properly inflated tires reduce rolling resistance, helping your vehicle use less fuel.

7. If you encounter stop-and-go traffic, do not disable your car’s stop-start system

The stop-start system shuts the engine off when you are stopped, as at a light, and restarts the car when you lift your foot off the brake. Savings can be up to 7%. If you turn off the stop-start system, you are idling the car at a stop, getting zero miles to the gallon.

8. Use the air conditioner sparingly

When the a/c is on, your car’s engine burns more fuel to offset the load of the air conditioner’s compressor.