For most Americans, getting better gas mileage is about putting more money in the bank during the recession. If their vehicles can be more fuel efficient simply based on the way these motorists drive, why wouldn’t they try to slow down a little bit, brake a little softer or plan more intelligent routes? Some Americans also appreciate that they are supporting a cleaner environment and reducing their carbon footprint by consuming less fuel. At the same time, they are reducing the nation’s dependence on foreign oil. Fuel saving is smart for so many reasons. At www.fueleconomy.gov, you’ll find lots of practical tips on how to make increased gas mileage a reality, no matter what type of vehicle you’re driving.

The first step in saving fuel is to drive sensibly. Drivers use the most fuel when accelerating or braking. The Environmental Protection Agency tests show you can conserve 5% of your gas on city streets and 33% on highways just by braking gradually (or coasting to stops), using cruise control whenever possible and accelerating gradually from stops. Observing the speed limit is not only safer, but also wiser. Gas mileage decreases rapidly at speeds above 60 mph, so think of every five miles per hour you drive over 60 as spending an additional 24 cents per gallon for your gas. In the end, driving 60 or less will save you 7-23% in fuel economy. The EPA also recommends avoiding excessive idling (since you get 0 MPG while stopped with the engine running), using cruise control whenever possible to help you maintain a constant speed and using overdrive gears to slow yourself down, save gas and reduce engine wear.

Car maintenance is another well-tested area for fuel saving. According to www.fueleconomy.gov, you can save 4% of your fuel economy just by getting an engine tune-up, an oil change or an upgrade to pass emissions tests. If you have a faulty oxygen sensor or other serious maintenance problem, you can boost your fuel effectiveness by as much as 40%! Every time you visit a gas station, you should check your tire psi because even 1 psi drop in pressure on all four tires can decrease your gasoline mileage by 0.3%. Many drivers see an overall savings of 3.3% when their tires are inflated to manufacturer standards. It is also important to use the proper grade of motor oil, which offers a fuel savings of 1-2%.

Naturally, planning and combining trips is another excellent way of fuel saving. Research shows that several short errands from a cold start uses twice as much fuel as a longer, multipurpose trip covering the same distance when the engine has been warmed up. Route planning websites like Mapquest, Route4Me and Google Maps allow you to find the most efficient route based on a number of stops. Planning your commute wisely is another “must” if you’re concerned about fuel economy. If possible, stagger your work hours to avoid rush hour traffic. Consider telecommuting, car-pooling, ride sharing or public transit as an option too.

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