12 Energy Saving Tips For Driving

With the high price of gas, any energy saving tips is likely to be a high priority for nearly any car driver. Even when it comes to the most fuel efficient vehicles, saving a few dollars by cutting fuel costs will benefit almost everyone. The following are 12 energy saving tips that can help you reduce fuel costs.

Tip 1 – Drive the Most Economical Vehicle

If you have more than one vehicle, whenever possible, drive the one that gets the lowest gas mileage, particularly for those short trips around town. If you’re in the market to purchase a new vehicle, choose one that is the most fuel efficient and energy saving.

Tip 2 – Slash Miles

Think of ways you can cut back on miles you drive. Combine trips, such as running errands and taking the kids to the mall. Use public transportation, walk, or ride your bicycle, especially for short trips around town. Another to save on the pocket book would be to join a carpool. 

Tip 3 – Decrease Your Speed

By decreasing your speed you will save fuel costs. Did you know that every 5 miles per hour over 60 miles per hour that you drive, you are increasing your car's gas consumption by approximately 5 miles per gallon? 

Tip 4 – Reduce the Use of Your Use of Your Car's Air Conditioning Unit

Instead of running your air conditioning at full speed during the summer months, turn the fan to a slower speed. This can reduce your fuel consumption by as much as 5 miles per gallon.

Tip 5 – De-junk Your Trunk

Get rid of heavy items in your trunk. For every 100 pounds of weight in your trunk, you pay an extra 2% for fuel. 

Tip 6 – Use Cruise Control

When on the open highway, using your car's cruise control can reduce fuel consumption

Tip 7 – Inflate Your Tires

By doing something as simple as keeping your tires inflated at the corrected pressure, you can save up to 20 gallons of fuel per year.

Tip 8 – Keep Your Vehicle Maintained

Regular tune-ups, oil changes, replacing air filters, fixing faulty oxygen sensors, and so on, will, not only prevent major engine problems, but will increase your fuel efficiency. Also, using the correct oil for your vehicle can significantly improve gas mileage and can cut as much as $30 per year from your fuel expense. 

Tip 9 – Become Less Erratic in your Driving

Driving that includes speeding, quick acceleration, rapid braking, etc., all consume excessive energy. In fact, driving at highway speeds in an erratic manner can lower your gas mileage as much as 3 percent. 

Tip 10 – Avoid Idling Your Vehicle

When at all possible, don’t let your engine idle, particularly if you operate a larger vehicle.

Tip 11 – Use Overdrive

If your car has overdrive, use it whenever possible. This will avoid making your engine work as hard, save on engine wear and tear, and save you money.

Tip 12 – Avoid Carrying Objects on Your Car's Roof

Carrying items on the roof of your vehicle creates wind drag and decreases your fuel economy. Instead, store these items inside your trunk wherever possible.