Steps to Better MPG

People who achieve amazing fuel economy are known as “hyper-milers.”  The strategies listed here are one-part skill and ten-parts commitment.  Leave plenty of room between you and the car in front of you.  If the traffic ahead of you slows, you will have a buffer to maintain momentum and conserve energy.  As an added bonus, the vehicle in front of you won’t be throwing gravel on your car.

Try different routes for your most common trips.  If you can split your commute by using a parallel highway, you will avoid freeway speed and traffic while gaining 10 mpg or more.  If your vehicle is not equipped with an accurate real-time mpg-meter it will help to keep a log between fills to determine which way saves you more.  Get familiar with your route–know where a little gas is required and where you can coast. Reduce wind resistance by reducing speed. Wind resistance roughly doubles between 55 mph and 70 mph. For example if there is a constant 200 lbs fuel-robbing wind pressure on your car at 55, then there will be more than 400 lbs fighting against you going 70. Rule of thumb, consider driving at the speed limit or even lower, if traffic conditions will allow.

Quality of Gasoline.  There doesn’t seem to be a noticed performance changes from the most expensive gas to the cheapest. Use regular-unleaded if your car manufacturer suggests it. Running your A/C system obviously decreases your mileage, especially in the smaller cars. If you want savings, wait to turn on the A/C  until rolling down hill or decelerating. Otherwise keep it off. This way the momentum of the car is running the A/C instead of your fuel. And be sure the air conditioning or defroster is off while climbing a hill. Windshield Defroster.  The A/C compressor is automatically on when the heater is set to defrost and the fan is set to ON.  If you set the knob to defrost but keep the fan set to OFF the AC compressor will be off also. In this setting, you will get a steady flow of air over the window to help keep it clear. Tire Pressure.

Low tire pressure will rob you of your mpg. Every car has a door sticker in the driver’s side. These pressures should be considered the MINIMUM. Higher pressures will give you better savings, but also a harder ride. Beginning from a Stop. This is where you really kill your mileage numbers. Start off as gradually as practical, gradually backing off the accelerator as your speed increases. If there is no traffic behind you, then accelerate more slowly. Climbing a Hill.  Big hills are the second main mpg-killer. Try to find a different road going around the hill if you can or you can or pick a route that doesn’t add significant distance to your destination. Rolling Down a Hill.  Always look ahead. If I know the decline is immediately followed by a steep uphill, begin your decent coasting (or switching to NEUTRAL). Then, as you near the bottom, add enough acceleration to gain momentum for the climb of the oncoming hill. If the hill ends on a long, flat road at the bottom, then keep your momentum.

Then there is the traffic. Don’t drive only by how it “feels”. If it seems like you are slowing, don’t just push the accelerator down, which is a difficult habit to break. Only use enough fuel for the task required. Don’t just “Gas it.” Have a reason. Listen to traffic info on the radio. If you hear of a backup, see if you can go around it.