If you drive a fossil fuel burning vehicle and you're tired of forking over more of your hard-earned cash at the pump and concerned about the planet's air quality, then buckle up and adopt to these five easy steps to improve the fuel efficiency of your existing vehicle. And if you drive an EV, tips 1, 2 and 4 below will extend your vehicle's range.
Before the big reveal, let’s take a closer look at these eye-watering facts.
- Fuel prices have gone up a whopping 34% (January 2021-January 2023)
- US spewed out 5 billion tons of CO2 emissions in 2021
- US ranked #2 globally for CO2 emissions in 2021
- US transportation sector is responsible for a hefty 38% of CO2 emissions
Given these financial and environment motivations for greater fuel efficiency, here are some savvy driving tips:
- Smooth and steady is the way to roll. Think of your grandmother sitting next to you, holding a giant punch bowl of lemonade. Do you really want to drench her with it by accelerating and braking like a jackrabbit? Didn't think so. Aggressive driving not only wastes gas, but it also puts unnecessary wear and tear on your vehicle. So, mellow out and drive within the speed limit. It can save 10-40% on gas.
- Eco-mode is the way to go. While sport mode may make you feel like a racecar driver, it's not so great for fuel efficiency. Choose eco-mode when driving around town to improve gas mileage. And, if you're cruising on the highway, going 65mph instead of 75mph can save you 13% on fuel consumption. (Gas mileage decreases rapidly at speeds above 50 mph. ) Use cruise control to help you maintain a steady and fuel-efficient speed on the highways.
- Don't be idle. No, seriously. Don't idle your car when you're parked just to run the AC/heater or listen to music. It's a waste of gas and contributes to air pollution. If you're waiting for a train or construction to clear up, turn off your engine to save gas and help spare the air. And modern cars don't need to be warmed up more than a few seconds.
- Check your tire pressure. As the temperature changes, so does your tire pressure. Make sure they're inflated to the correct pressure to improve fuel efficiency by 3-6%. Plus, it'll help your tires last longer. Win-win. If every US vehicle on the road had the correct tire pressure, it would save 1.2 billion gallons of gas per year.
- Keep your vehicle tuned up. Changing your oil and filters will help your car run smoother, last longer, and improve fuel efficiency by 1-2%.
There you have it, folks. Five easy ways to improve your vehicle fuel efficiency, save money, and spare the air. Now hit the road and drive smarter.
More resources to help you save money, improve fuel efficiency, and reduce transportation emissions.
- EPA Fuel Saving Tips and Calculator: https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/
- Earn points with the Cleaner Contra Costa Challenge "Drive Wisely" action.
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