Fuel-efficient Driving

Although many of us depend on personal automobiles for daily transportation, we can help reduce air pollution by driving the most efficient vehicle possible. Follow these tips to drive cleaner, safer and greener.

1. Buy green
Whether you’re purchasing a new or used car, be sure to find the most efficient model available. By upgrading your fuel economy from 20 to 30 miles per gallon, you can save over $1,500 in the next five years. Look for features such as standard transmission and cruise control.  Choose light colors to reduce your air-conditioning needs. Avoid cars that have large engines or power boost options, and forgo four-wheel drive unless absolutely necessary. Check out fuel economy at these websites:
US Dept. of Energy: Fuel Efficient Cars
EPA Green Vehicle Guide
Greener Cars

2. Explore an alternative fuel vehicle
Many new alternatives to the wasteful gasoline-powered vehicle are now available. Hybrid gas-electric vehicles have a combination gas-powered and electric engine with a top fuel economy of 57 miles per gallon. Toyota, Honda and Ford all offer hybrid models. Watch for hydrogen fuel cell vehicles in the future, which use hydrogen as a fuel and emit only water and heat. Biodiesel is another new alternative fuel which is made from soybean oil and will power any typical diesel engine.

3. Think small
In the U.S., consumer trends have been towards larger gas-guzzling trucks and Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs), which clog up highways and pollute the air. SUVs by themselves account for half of all U.S. automotive emissions. Before purchasing a SUV, think carefully about how much space you actually need, and how often you will use four-wheel drive. If you have more than one vehicle, drive your smaller car for local errands. Consider trading your SUV in for a midsize model—the fuel savings will soon add up and chances are you will barely miss the extra horsepower or the difficulty of parallel parking!

4. Get a tune-up 
You can improve fuel economy by up to 9% by performing routine oil changes and tune-ups. Use the grade of motor oil recommended by the manufacturer and look for oil labeled as “Energy Conserving” which contains friction-reducing additives. Change a dirty air filter to improve fuel economy by up to 10%. Check your tires every other month and keep them properly inflated. 
ECO-Tips: Eco-Friendly Car Care

5. Drive sensibly 
Obey the speed limit and avoid rapid acceleration and aggressive braking to save fuel. Efficiency decreases rapidly at speeds over 60 mph. Use the overdrive gear to improve efficiency and cruise control to maintain a safe, constant speed. Avoid using the air-conditioning—try rolling down the windows for ventilation.
ECO-Tips: Drive Less, Save More

6. Avoid idling 
An idling engine gets zero miles per gallon, so always shut off your vehicle when it is not in use. Restarting the vehicle will not waste gas or cause excess wear.

7. Travel light 
A roof rack or carrier can decrease fuel economy by 5%. Remove your roof rack whenever it is not use, or store luggage in your trunk instead. Avoid carrying unnecessary cargo—an extra 100 pounds in the trunk translates into one less mile per gallon.

8. Plan your route and your commute 
Plan your daily driving time to choose shorter routes and avoid traffic. Think ahead to share rides with your spouse, neighbor or coworker. When commuting to work, plan to leave before or after rush-hour traffic. If possible, work flex hours or work from home to reduce your travel needs.

9. Support campaigns to reduce fossil fuel dependence
Our dependence on oil not only leads to environmental problems, but also ties our economy to the unstable political climate of the Middle East. Check out these movements to promote greener cars and cleaner air:
Environmental Defense Action Center 
Patriot’s Energy Pledge