How to Save Money on Gas

• Avoid rapid acceleration; most horsepower (consumes a lot of gas) is built into cars for acceleration; relatively little power (and thus fuel) is required to maintain speed.
• Drive more slowly. One study reported that for all vehicles tested there was at least 20% loss in fuel economy as cruising speed was increased from 55 to 75 mph. So, 20 mpg at 55 mph becomes 16 mpg or less at 75 mph.
• Remove extra weight from the car; 100 extra pounds may cost 1 mpg. Pack lightly for trips.
• Try to avoid using roof racks and remove when they are not in use.
• For any stop you expect to last more than a minute, shut off your engine rather than letting it idle.
• Do not warm engine up before driving; it is not necessary, even in cold weather.
• Do not rev engine before shutting it off; this wastes fuel and can dilute motor oil, leading to excessive wear on engine parts.
• Reduce the use of your air conditioner at low driving speeds. When driving over 40 mph, using the air conditioner costs less fuel than having windows open.
• Replace air and fuel filters regularly as instructed by your vehicle's maintenance manual; change air filter more often if driving in dusty conditions.
• Keep engine properly tuned.
• Use API certified "Energy Conserving" motor oil, either conventional or synthetic. Use the service classification and viscosity specified for your vehicle. Example: SJ and 5W-30. Follow use/change interval in vehicle owner's manual.
• Do not use mid-grade or premium grade gasoline unless specified for your vehicle. Older vehicles may require these grades to avoid "knock" which reduces power and may damage the engine.
• Do not overfill the tank.
• Determine gasoline mileage periodically. Declining mileage can be an early indicator of mechanical problems or a need for servicing.
• Do not buy "aggressive" tread tires if you do not need them.
• Utilize mass transit. Support efforts to make mass transit more available.
• Keep tires properly inflated and wheels aligned.
• Avoid hard braking and sudden stops. Stay alert and anticipate traffic lights, stop signs and merges. Use turn signals. Traffic will move more smoothly, which saves fuel for everyone.
• When starting out, shift up to the next gear (manual transmission) as soon as possible without straining the engine.

Source: New Hampshire Office of Energy & Planning

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