Improving fuel economy
Buying a hybrid vehicle is a good way to save fuel and improve air quality when you are ready to buy a new car. Until then, there are several things you can do to improve fuel economy and reduce emissions with the vehicle you drive now.
To make your car go further on less gas and pollute less, keep it tuned up. Tuning up a car that is noticeably out of tune can improve gas mileage as much as 4 percent. Fixing a faulty oxygen sensor can improve fuel economy even more. And replacing a clogged air filter can significantly improve gas mileage.
Keeping tires inflated to the recommended pressure and using the recommended grade of motor oil can improve fuel economy by as much as 5 percent.
Examine the way you drive and use your car to find ways to use less fuel. Letting your car idle to warm-up or for any reason uses more fuel and creates more pollution. Keep in mind that idling gets zero miles per gallon.
Speeding, rapid acceleration and sudden braking can lower your gas mileage by as much as 33 percent at highway speeds and 5 percent around town.
Drive the speed limit – each mile per hour you drive over 60 miles per hour can reduce your fuel economy by 10 percent.
Plan a combine trips as much as possible. Many short trips taken from a cold start can use twice as much fuel as one trip than includes several errands or purposes covering the same distance when the engine is warmed up and efficient.