Tips to Improve Your Fuel Efficiency

As fuel prices start to climb again, be sure your car is running efficiently as possible.

1. Be sure to perform your car's scheduled oil changes and tune-ups.

2. Check to see if you need to replace a clogged air filter.

3. Keep your tires properly inflated.

4. Drive smartly - use your cruise control on the highway, avoid quick accelerations and excessive braking.

5. Avoid idling, turn off your car in bank lines and school carlines.

6. Reduce drag by removing roof racks and avoiding excess weight in trunk.

Driving Log

Now that gas prices have fallen drastically, have you changed your driving habits back to your gas-guzzling ways? A lot of people reduced their driving when gas was hovering around the $4 mark, now that it has dropped continue with those changes and save money and the planet. A great way to track your driving habits is to keep a driving log. It’s a great way to track where you're driving and for what purpose. Try to keep a log for one week where you note your destination, mileage, and purpose of the trip. At the end of the week, look to see if there are any trips you can combine. By planning your routes ahead of time you can run your errands more efficiently - saving gas and time.

Improve Your Gas Mileage

With gas prices so high, improving your car's gas mileage is not only good for the environment it's good for your wallet. Here are some easy tips to help you out:

1. Make sure your tires are properly inflated.

2. Empty out your trunk, carrying around excess weight will increase your fuel consumption.

3. Follow your car's maintenance schedule. Proper maintenance will keep your car running efficiently.

4. Go the speed limit.

5. Avoid idling, if you are going to be waiting in your car for more than a minute, shut the car off.

6. When driving remember to practice patience as aggressive driving uses more fuel. By avoiding sudden starts or stops you will see significant fuel savings.

7. Save fuel by combining errands and planning your trips to avoid unnecessary driving.

8. Try to reduce the amount of driving you do, by choosing to bike or walk for short trips.