Kermit the Frog would be glad to hear that it is pretty easy being green, at least where your car is concerned. What's more, it's amazing how closely being a safe driver ties in with being a green driver . . . and saving some green in the process. Check out these tips that will increase your vehicle's fuel economy — which will allow you to burn less fuel per mile, thereby emitting less pollution per mile, which benefits the environment. And it saves you money. And it has safety as a side order. Everybody wins!
Tips to Increase your Vehicle's Fuel Economy
- Slow down. Really. Vehicles use less fuel the slower they travel. If you drop your highway speed by 10 mph, you'll see big savings at the pump. Plus, you'll never be That Kid Who Shows Up First To All The Parties.
Slowing down keeps you more in control of your vehicle, allows you more time to make decisions in an emergency situation, cuts your breaking distance, and reduces your risk of hydroplaning in wet weather.
- Smooth out. Gradually stepping on the gas and gently applying the brakes is more fuel-efficient than sudden stops and gunning the engine.
Avoiding erratic movements of all kinds helps to avoid accidents and improve your control over the vehicle. Keep your eyes and mind focused on the road at all times.
- Plan ahead. Consolidate several trips into one. Plot out the most efficient way to get to all of your stops.
- Check up. Look over your owner's manual to make sure your vehicle's scheduled maintenance is up to date and inspect your fluids to make sure they are all at the recommended levels. If you don't know if your vehicle is current on maintenance, it's a good idea to have it inspected by a certified technician to ensure your vehicle is running as efficiently as possible.
A car in good working order is certainly safer than one that can fall apart at any moment. And it keeps you from being stranded on the side of the road, which presents additional safety issues.
- Air up. Make sure your tires are properly inflated according to the vehicle's specifications (check the sticker on the inside door jamb or the owner's manual). Over-inflating tires by even a pound or two might improve fuel mileage in the short run, but it causes tires to wear prematurely. The money you save in fuel is less than what you would pay to replace the tires. Check your air pressure at least once a month, as your tires can lose up to one pound per square inch (psi) every 30 days and can fluctuate based on the weather.
Tires are the only thing connecting you to the road when you drive. You want to take care of them by scheduling regular maintenance and upkeep and paying attention each month to tire pressure levels.
- Line up. Have your vehicle's alignment checked at least annually and have your tires rotated according to your vehicle's recommended maintenance schedule. Anything you can do to help your tires roll smoothly will result in improved fuel mileage.
- Lighten up. Extra weight in your vehicle makes it work harder, hence less fuel mileage. Lighten the load by ditching any excess cargo from your trunk or passenger compartment.
Items inside the passenger compartment of a car can also become missiles during a high-speed accident. Avoid clutter problems by keeping these areas clear of any unnecessary mess.
- Buy right. Look in your vehicle's owner's manual for the correct octane level for your vehicle's engine. Odds are that it will be regular unleaded. Less than 5 percent of the vehicles on the road require the use of premium fuel, yet more than 20 percent of all the fuel sold in the United States is premium. Your vehicle will run just fine on regular if that's what your manual recommends, and it costs you less.
Again, a car in good working order is certainly safer than one that can fall apart at any moment and strand you on the side of the road.
- Tailgate down. If you drive a pick-up truck, leaving the tailgate down reduces drag and improves gas mileage. Never drive with the tailgate down unless the bed of the truck is empty. It may not be legal in some locations to drive with the tailgate down, so make sure to check the state and local ordinances in your area.
If you get arrested for breaking the laws of the road, it probably will not be pleasant for you when your parents find out. Be aware of the consequences before anything happens!
- Roll up. Your vehicle's aerodynamics will be more streamlined, the drag will be reduced and you'll get better mileage if you roll up your windows. It can actually be more fuel efficient to run the A/C versus driving with the windows down.
- Remove racks. Remove ski and bike racks, as well as aftermarket rooftop cargo carriers, when they are not in use. This step helps to improve your vehicle's maintenance.
Learn more about the Bridgestone group's environmental commitment in the Americas
Coasting into Spring
Winter Car Care and Driving Tips
Tips for Driving in Wet or Snowy Conditions
Distracted Driving Tips
Biking Tips
Maintaining Your Tire Pressure
Checking Your Tire Treads
Avoiding Accidents
Increasing Your Vehicle's Fuel Economy
Advice for Parents of New Drivers