As gas prices climb, there's plenty of incentive for finding ways to get the most mileage from whatever kind of vehicle you drive. If you want to hang onto your old vehicle, you can change your driving habits and learn to take better care of your vehicle to gain miles per gallon. If you're in the market for a new car, there are ways to make sure you're getting the most efficient vehicle for your needs.
Drive More Efficiently
The U.S. Department of Energy says one way to save energy is to become a more efficient driver. Aggressive drivers who speed or accelerate and brake rapidly burn more fuel. In general, gas mileage starts dropping quickly after you pass 60 miles per hour. To keep your speed down and help you maintain a more constant speed, the energy department suggests using your cruise control. It also recommends using overdrive gearing and avoiding excessive idling to save on fuel. And don't use your vehicle as a storage bin. An extra 100 pounds in the vehicle could cut your miles per gallon by up to two percent.
Keep Your Car in Shape
Keeping your car tuned up can help you save energy. The U.S. Department of Energy says that when you fix a car that's noticeably out of tune or one that has failed an emissions test, you can improve its mileage by an average four percent. Keeping your tires properly inflated could give you a fuel economy benefit of about three percent. The energy department says you could post a mileage gain of one or two percent by using the manufacturer's recommended grade of oil.
Plan and Combine Trips
If you use your car to commute to work, see if you can stagger your work hours to avoid rush hour. If you have more than one car, commute in the most fuel efficient vehicle. Better yet, don't commute at all. See if your employer will allow you to telecommute once in a while. When running errands, try to combine as many as possible. The energy department says several short trips taken from a cold start can burn twice as much fuel as a trip that makes several stops while the engine is still warm.
Consider Buying a Hybrid
If you're in the market for a new car and want to save on fuel, consider buying a hybrid electric vehicle. These cars run on both gasoline and electrical power and can offer substantial savings in fuel costs. The science site Physorg says hybrids generally are 20 to 35 percent more efficient than their gasoline-powered counterparts. The U.S. Department of Energy points out hybrids also emit fewer pollutants and provide a quieter ride than comparable gasoline-powered vehicles.
Read the Sticker
If you're buying a new car, be sure to check the EPA Fuel Economy Estimates on the window sticker. The label will give you an estimate of the number of miles per gallon you can expect to get while driving the vehicle in the city and on the highway. It even provides an estimate of how much you're likely to spend to fuel the vehicle for a year. The U.S. Department of Energy provides an online guide to help you choose the most fuel efficient vehicles.
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