Driving Techniques That Affect Fuel Consumption

Before you embark on your summer road trip, consider adjusting some of your driving habits to save money and fuel. The U.S. government predicts that gas prices will rise this summer, but you can still enjoy your adventure without breaking the bank. Joe Semens, a Senior Applications Analyst with a passion for cars, offers several strategies to improve your car’s fuel efficiency without spending extra. A main factor in maximizing fuel savings is refining your driving style. For example, while larger vehicles like the Ford F-150 need more power than smaller cars like the Mazda MX-3, aggressive driving can hurt gas mileage for both types of vehicles. During the Great Recession, drivers discovered just how much their habits could affect fuel economy, leading to techniques like "hypermiling," which has been shown to increase fuel efficiency by 20%. Here are five important driving techniques to help you get better gas mileage: maintain a steady speed, remove extra weight from your car, keep your tires properly inflated, avoid excessive idling, and practice smooth driving. By incorporating these habits into your routine, you can save fuel and contribute to a more sustainable driving experience.

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Master the Pulse and Glide Technique for Optimal Fuel Efficiency

The "pulse and glide" technique helps you save fuel by using momentum. You can save up to 20% fuel by quickly speeding up to 50 mph (pulse) and then letting the car coast down to 30 mph (glide). This way, you can average 40 mph while using less fuel than driving at a steady speed. Coasting whenever you can for even better savings.

To use this method effectively, pay attention to the road. Speed up when going downhill and coast when going uphill. This helps your car move without using extra fuel. However, starting from a stop at the bottom of a hill uses a lot of energy, making it less efficient.

Being aware of the road ahead helps you use the pulse and glide method better. Knowing what’s coming lets you change speed smoothly, saving fuel and making the ride more comfortable. Long-haul truck drivers often plan their speeds based on their road experience.

Momentum is main to this technique. It lets your car keep moving without extra energy, which helps save fuel. You can use less fuel when you practice this method.

Minimize Braking and Coast More

Minimizing the use of brakes and coasting more often can improve fuel efficiency. Coasting helps save fuel because it reduces the engine's power needs when slowing down. By anticipating traffic signals and starting to slow down before reaching a stoplight, you can roll toward the light instead of stopping completely. This saves fuel and reduces wear on your brakes, which helps your vehicle last longer.

While following stop signs and traffic laws is required, learning to predict traffic situations can greatly improve fuel economy. Observing traffic lights and adjusting your speed ahead of time helps avoid unnecessary stops, leading to smoother driving and less chance of traffic jams. These habits also promote safer driving by creating a more controlled environment.

Creating a safe space between your vehicle and the one in front of you helps maintain a steady speed and reduces sudden braking. This simple change can improve your driving performance. Keeping a safe distance allows you to adjust your speed without disruptions, which enhances fuel efficiency and road safety by helping you anticipate the movements of other drivers.

Gradual Acceleration

Accelerating quickly can waste fuel. When you press the gas pedal hard, a lot of fuel goes into the engine, but this extra fuel doesn’t create more energy. Instead, it produces byproducts like soot and heat. Think of the engine as a pump: if it takes in more air, it needs more fuel, making it work harder and waste more fuel. Gradual acceleration, like taking five seconds to reach 15 mph, can improve fuel efficiency.

Several benefits to this approach:

• Smooth acceleration saves fuel and reduces wear on the engine.

• It helps extend the life of the vehicle and lowers maintenance costs.

• Techniques from eco-driving programs promote gradual acceleration to improve fuel economy and reduce environmental impact.

This method is not just about how the car operates; it’s a smart way to drive that maximizes fuel use and improves the driving experience. You often use similar strategies in racing, where managing fuel can make a big difference in performance.

Understanding gradual acceleration shows its broader impact. It not only saves you money but also supports environmental sustainability. It’s not just a tip; it’s an main part of responsible driving.

Turn Off the Engine When Idle

Turning off your engine when idle can save you fuel and reduce emissions. Surprisingly, restarting your engine uses less fuel than leaving it running. A study showed that a 2011 Ford Fusion used less fuel with frequent restarts than when it was idling. Many modern cars now have start-stop technology, which automatically turns off the engine when stopped at traffic lights and restarts it when you release the brake. If your car doesn’t have this feature, remember to turn off your engine whenever you can, especially during long stops. Idling wastes fuel because the engine burns gas without moving the vehicle, which is especially wasteful in city traffic. Making small changes, like turning off your engine at train crossings or planning routes to minimize idling, can lead to efficient savings on fuel and help the environment. By incorporating these habits into your daily routine, you can save money and contribute to a more sustainable lifestyle.

Stick to the Speed Limit

Driving over 50 mph can hurt your car’s fuel efficiency. Research shows that going faster than this speed uses more fuel.

For example, on a 15-mile trip, driving at 75 mph instead of 60 mph increases fuel consumption by 20% for just a two-minute time saving. Sticking to the speed limit helps save fuel and reduces costs.

Following the speed limit also improves safety. Driving at lower speeds gives you more time to react to unexpected situations, reducing the chances of accidents. It puts less strain on your car, lowering maintenance costs over time. Driving slower can save fuel and help your vehicle last longer.

Another helpful technique is the pulse-and-glide method. This involves changing your speed between 55 and 65 mph, averaging around 60 mph. By alternating between accelerating smoothly and coasting, you can save fuel without adding much time to your trip.

Using this method consistently can allow you to skip an extra fuel stop, saving you money.

These habits support the goals of saving fuel and protecting the environment. Small changes in driving can lead to big benefits for both your wallet and the planet.