rootninja

With the average cost of gas in the U.S. skyrocketing, now is the perfect time to be just a little bit greener in order to save a little green. Here are ten methods you can use to reduce your overall fuel consumption.

#1. The most obvious is simply to drive less. Try walking, biking, carpooling, or taking public transportation. When you have to drive, plan your route so that you are driving the least amount possible.

#2. Brake less. Your gas mileage will be better if you stop less. Leave at least two seconds of distance between you and the car in front of you. Anticipate stop signs and lights and drive accordingly, after all there is no point in racing from red light to red light.

#3. Idling wastes gas, therefore, consider turning off your engine if you will be stopped for longer than thirty seconds.

#4. Accelerate less. It requires a lot of energy to get your car moving from a complete stop, try letting your automatic transmission start moving the car for you, even if you do it for just a second. When it’s time to get going, just take your foot of the brake and allow the car to move forward before you press the accelerator.

#5. Use cruise control to drive at a constant pace.

#6. Remove the extra weight from your car, excess cargo, including cargo racks increase the drag on your car and lower your fuel efficiency.

#7. Maintain your car. Make sure your car is tuned properly and that your tires are properly inflated.

#8. Don’t drive to save gas. Although it’s tempting to hunt for the cheapest gas prices, it’s probably not be worth it. Consider that a $.05 difference in the cost of fuel will only save you $.50 for a 10 gallon tank and $.75 for a 15 gallon tank. Save your time and reduce air pollution by not going out of your way for cheaper gas.

#9. Be sure your gas cap is tight. An improperly sealed gas cap allows the fuel to vaporize right out of your tank.

#10. Drive the speed limit, according to http://www.fueleconomy.gov/

“you can assume that each 5 mph you drive over 60 mph is like paying an additional $0.20 per gallon for gas.”