During warm weather, reduce gas usage by opening your windows instead of relying on air conditioning (see References 1).
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The aggravated driver, speeding through traffic, slamming on his brakes and then hitting the gas to pass slower drivers, is doing more than driving aggressively. He's also wasting gas. Every time you drive, you have the potential to conserve gas, save yourself money, reduce harmful emissions and conserve fossil fuel supplies. The habits you practice on the road and the way you maintain your vehicle can save or cost you --- and the environment --- significant expenditures.
Drive Safely
Safe, sensible driving almost always translates into increased fuel efficiency for your vehicle. You use less fuel when you accelerate gently and anticipate stops so that you can come to a gradual stop. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Energy's fuel economy website estimates that sudden acceleration and braking reduces your vehicle's fuel economy by 5 percent for city driving and up to 33 percent for highway driving. (See References 1) Slowing down can also save fuel. Vehicles are most efficient between 40 and 65 mph. As you accelerate past 65 mph, your vehicle's fuel efficiency plummets, costing you the equivalent of an extra 24 cents per gallon for each 5 mph you drive over 65. (See References 2)
Drive Efficiently
Warm engines run more efficiently and burn less gas than cold engines (see References 1). When you run errands, try to combine as many small trips as possible into a single trip to avoid having to start your engine cold so often (see References 3). This doesn't mean that you should warm your car up in cold weather, however. Idling uses more gas than driving on a cold engine. (See References 1) Avoid idling by skipping the drive-thru lanes at banks and fast food restaurants; park the car and walk in instead. You might also travel during off-peak times to avoid traffic (see References 3).
Lighten the Load
Excessive weight and vehicle attachments that make the car less aerodynamic and also run up your gas usage. Remove heavy cargo and use tow trailers only when you need them. Take off cargo racks and items from the top of your vehicle when they're not in use. (See References 1)
Maintain Your Ride
Keeping your vehicle in good repair and running at peak performance equals fuel savings. Some vehicle repairs can improve gas mileage by as much as 40 percent, although more modest savings are typical. For example, keeping your tires inflated to the proper pressure can improve gas mileage by more than 3 percent. Using the proper grade of motor oil and changing clogged air filters also results in savings on gas expenditures. (See References 4)
First published in 2000, Dawn Walls-Thumma has served as an editor for Bartleby and Antithesis Common literary magazines. Her work has been published academically and in creative journals. Walls-Thumma writes about education, gardening and sustainable living. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in psychology and writing from University of Maryland and is a graduate student in education at American Public University.
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