Action Steps: Tips on Conserving Fuel

• Observe the speed limit. Driving 65 mph rather than 75 mph increases gas mileage by about 10 percent.
  
  
• Avoid using air-conditioning when possible. It can decrease fuel efficiency by as much as 12 percent in stop-and-go traffic.
  
  
• Avoid extra weight. For each additional 100 pounds of weight, fuel economy decreases by 0.5 miles per gallon. Place luggage and cargo inside rather than on the roof or trunk of the vehicle to maintain an aerodynamic profile and minimize drag.
  
  
• Avoid idling and turn off your engine when you're not driving. This avoids periods when you might otherwise be getting 0 miles to the gallon.
  
  
• Combine errands, as much of the pollution generated by a vehicle occurs during cold starts, when the engine has been off for 90 minutes or longer.
  
  
• Avoid rush hour if you can. So-called stop-and-go driving increases emissions.
  
  

• Try to get regular tune-ups to ensure that your filters and spark plugs are functioning properly to maximize engine performance.
  
  
• Ensure that your tires are properly inflated. Gas mileage improves by around 3.3 percent when tires are inflated to the correct pressure.