Save energy when you drive

Gone are the days of buying 10 mpg sport utility vehicles simply to impress our friends; the hottest-selling cars nowadays are small, compact and highly fuel efficient. But even if you can’t afford to buy a more fuel-efficient car, there are many things you can do to conserve energy on the road.
  • Slow down. Vehicles burn fuel at greater rates as they travel faster.
  • Drive at steady speeds. Use cruise control if you have it.
  • Avoid abrupt starts and stops.
  • Get rid of the junk in your trunk. Reducing your vehicle’s total weight will also reduce its fuel consumption.
  • Maintain your vehicle. Keep your tires inflated, change your oil and plan on routine tune-ups.
  • Don’t completely fill your tank. A full tank means a heavier load, which increases fuel consumption.
  • Know whether your vehicle’s engine needs time to warm up.
  • Use air conditioners sparingly when driving at slow speeds, or use the “economy” or “recirculation” settings.
  • Avoid idling for long periods of time