Driving Tips for Better Gas Mileage

We all hate backseat drivers, but driving tips are essential for better gas mileage.

Are you a fuel efficient driver?

Most drivers on the road today are far from being fuel efficient drivers, and as a result, they are burning more fuel than they need to on a daily basis.

However, some helpful driving tips can separate you from the thousands of other drivers on the road. What's the difference between you and them?

To become an MPG friendly driver, you will:

1. Plan your stops in advance. If you have to drive to the other side of town for a special trip, try to find something else to do while you're there to save gas and time.

   For example, every Saturday our family drives about 45 minutes so my husband can indulge in his passion, ultimate disc. So, while we're there, we hit the local grocery store that carries the special milk my son drinks.

   Another good way to implement this driving tip is to make stops only on the right side of the road. This saves time and gas. When you're done making stops on the right and are ready to head home, hit the places on the other side of the road.

2. Hold off on the ignition. Don't start the car as soon as you get in. Adjust your mirrors, fasten your seatbelt and make sure everyone is comfortable and ready. Start the engine when you're ready to move your car.
3. Practice safe driving (defensive driving) techniques. No road rage! Road rage and offensive/unsafe driving are not only illegal and a bad idea if you want to make it to your destination alive, they're enemies of your MPG too!
4. Eliminate distractions. Cell phones, ipods, radio, discussions... These are all examples of distractions. Avoid them while driving. Not only will you be more alert, and as a result, safer, you'll also have the focus to concentrate on your fuel efficient driving techniques.

   BONUS DRIVING TIP #1: Did you know that using the radio while driving makes your car work harder and burn more fuel?

   BONUS DRIVING TIP #2: Turn off your lights during the day. Many cars automatically turn on their headlights in certain situations, even during the day. Over-ride this feature and save gas.

5. Accelerate slowly. Zero to 60 in 3.5 seconds sounds impressive, but it's a gas guzzling nightmare. There's really no reason to punch it when you drive on the road. Accelerate gradually and you'll burn less gas.

6. Hug the curb. If the road is bearing left, try to be in the left lane. If the road is bearing right, try to be in the right lane.

   This driving tip will help you save gas because your car will have less ground to cover to go the same distance. However, remember to be safe and don't switch lanes so much you're causing a road hazard.

   BONUS DRIVING TIP: Did you know that the center of the lane is more worn out that the edges? A bumpy road is bad for your gas mileage. Hug the curb and you'll gain a smoother, more fuel efficient ride.

7. Let up off the gas pedal and coast. When approaching a stop light, stopped traffic, going down hill, or just when you feel it's right, taking your foot off the gas pedal and coasting burns less gas.

   If you know you'll have to stop ahead (such as a stop sign), then start coasting well before you have to put on the brakes. Not only will you burn less gas, you'll also go easier on your brake pads and wear them out less quickly.

8. Go the speed limit, or just below it. Many say that if the speed limit is 35 mph, go 30. The slower you drive, the better your gas mileage will be.
9. Aim for 55 mph on the highway. 55 MPH is the magic number for gas mileage. This speed results in the overall best MPG, which is why so many highways have this as their speed limit.

   Even if the speed limit is higher, such as 65, 70, 75 or more, stay in the right lane with all the old folks and stay at 55 mph.

10. Learn all you can about hypermiling, implementing only the safe driving tips. Hypermilers are experts at what it takes to achieve better gas mileage. Learn how they save gas, but also learn from their dangerous mistakes.

If you're following aggressive drivers, you'll find yourself driving just like them. And no one wants that, especially your MPG!

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