Fuel Saving Tips
Optimal Speed
Every car has its own "sweet spot" of optimal speed to achieve greatest mpg. One good rule of thumb is the slowest speed on your highest gear. Try it and try to find your sweet spot.
posted by jorg3 on February 14, 2012
this tip works for 100% of voting Fuelly members.
Keeping your Car in Shape
Keep Your Engine Properly Tuned Fixing a car that is noticeably out of tune or has failed an emissions test can improve its gas mileage by an average of 4 percent, though results vary based on the kind of repair and how well it is done. Fixing a serious maintenance problem, such as a faulty oxygen sensor, can improve your mileage by as much as 40 percent. Fuel Economy Benefit: 4% Equivalent Gasoline Savings: $0.14/gallon Keep Tires Properly Inflated You can improve your gas mileage by up to 3.3 percent by keeping your tires inflated to the proper pressure. Under-inflated tires can lower gas mileage by 0.3 percent for every 1 psi drop in pressure of all four tires. Properly inflated tires are safer and last longer. The proper tire pressure for your vehicle is usually found on a sticker in the driver's side door jamb or the glove box and in your owner's manual. Do not use the maximum pressure printed on the tire's sidewall. Fuel Economy Benefit: Up to 3% Equivalent Gasoline Savings: Up to $0.10/gallon Use the Recommended Grade of Motor Oil You can improve your gas mileage by 1–2 percent by using the manufacturer's recommended grade of motor oil. For example, using 10W-30 motor oil in an engine designed to use 5W-30 can lower your gas mileage by 1–2 percent. Using 5W-30 in an engine designed for 5W-20 can lower your gas mileage by 1–1.5 percent. Also, look for motor oil that says "Energy Conserving" on the API performance symbol to be sure it contains friction-reducing additives. Fuel Economy Benefit: 1–2% Equivalent Gasoline Savings: $0.03–$0.07/gallon Replacing a Clogged Air Filter on Modern Cars Improves Performance but Not MPG A new study shows that replacing a clogged air filter on cars with fuel-injected, computer-controlled gasoline engines does not improve fuel economy but it can improve acceleration time by around 6 to 11 percent. This kind of engine is prevalent on most gasoline cars manufactured from the early 1980s onward. Tests suggest that replacing a clogged air filter on an older car with a carbureted engine may improve fuel economy 2 to 6 percent under normal replacement conditions or up to 14 percent if the filter is so clogged that it significantly affects drivability. Note: Cost savings are based on an assumed fuel price of $3.48/gallon.
posted by canuck9 on February 9, 2012
this tip works for 83% of voting Fuelly members.
SmartPhone m.fuelly.com
You can save a bookmark on your smartphone. m.fuelly.com It makes it easy to log your fuelup.
posted by tommyz on February 5, 2012
this tip works for 100% of voting Fuelly members.
The penny rule
I've seen the "Cup of coffee on the dash" rule and this is like that. Put a penny between you legs on the seat. If you drive smoothly the penny will stay in place. So long as you don't stop, corner or speed up too fast friction will hold the penny in place. If you can't see the penny because your thighs are too big and there is no gap maybe you should lighten your car's load by lightening your load. Just a thought. Cheers
posted by catching45 on January 27, 2012
this tip works for 41% of voting Fuelly members.
Wash your own car!
Drive through car washes may be convenient, but most services require you to wait in line and put your car in neutral while going through. Washing your own car at home or at a do-it-yourself facility allows you to turn off your engine and save precious fuel.
posted by ErikBCruzin on January 13, 2012
this tip works for 42% of voting Fuelly members.
Automatics and cruise control
If your automatic car as a tiptronic/steptronic gearbox, make sure to leave the car in this mode and in the highest gear when cruising at a high speed on a dual-carriage way/Motorway/Highway, by having it in tiptronic you stop your car from downshifting into a low gear and at high revs to maintain speed on a gradient.
posted by ryanknowles1 on January 8, 2012
this tip works for 31% of voting Fuelly members.
Ignore that tail gater
We've all been there... you've gotten up to the speed limit on the freeway, you've set your cruise, the car has settled in at a nice calm 2,000 rpm in overdrive... There's no passing lane but someone in a big hurry is... well, in a big hurry. And they paste themselves to your rear end. This can make you nervous and agitated, maybe even angry. But your cruise is set for frugality and you are following the rules and not breaking the law. Turn your rearview mirror so you can't see them trying to eat their steering wheel, and focus on a calm relaxing drive. You aren't doing anything wrong, and resisting the bully behind you will end up saving you money. There's also this to consider... we all understand the concept of drafting. You get into the tail wind of the car ahead of you and there's less resistance, increasing your fuel ecnomy (and in the case of racing, your top speed) tailgating of course is unsafe and in most places, completely illegal. What the person trying to commit sodomy to the back of your poor escort doesn't know (and a lot of other people too!) is that by following someone closely... you are helping them reduce drag on the BACK of their vehicle, which also improves fuel economy. YES REALLY. Tailgating might make you have to push less hard at the air in front of you... and someone tailgating you will help the air flowing over the back of your car, improving your MPG. So turn the mirror, put them out of mind and stay steady on the throttle or leave the cruise where it is. The tailgater is helping you save money!
posted by Texas on January 7, 2012
this tip works for 49% of voting Fuelly members.
Write your obo
With most receipts, you can just scratch info on to it and it stays permanently. I use my fingernail to note what my odometer is at, so I don't even need a pen.
posted by levisan on January 6, 2012
this tip works for 57% of voting Fuelly members.
Sandwiches
Pack up healthy sandwiches and have a pick-nick rather than eating in fast food establishments (either sitting in or driving through). You won't be obese and will save petrol by not transporting body-fat around. Caveat: You may also live longer-and hence drive longer-which, unfortunately,will cost you more fuel in the long term.
posted by tickettothemoon on January 6, 2012
this tip works for 81% of voting Fuelly members.
Smartphone assistance
Get an app like WAZE (where other users advise that they have been caught in a jam.) Play clever by driving towards them at reduced speed. Many times the temporary slow down has gone by the time you arrive.
posted by WannaDriveTA on December 28, 2011
this tip works for 70% of voting Fuelly members.
Learn your gears!
For Automatic cars with a Tiptronic/manual override gearbox, learn the minimum speeds for each gear, that way you can be in as high a gear as possible at it's slowest speed, ensuring low revs and less fuel consumption. Don't forget to shift down when going up a hill though! The less throttle you use the better!
posted by ryanknowles1 on December 20, 2011
this tip works for 63% of voting Fuelly members.
Turn Engine Off During Car Washes
If you are driving through a car wash that has a conveyer that moves your car while in neutral, just turn your engine off.
posted by deluca65 on December 19, 2011
this tip works for 68% of voting Fuelly members.
Fight the slinky!
During "stop and go" or "slinky" traffic, try to keep enough distance from the vehicle ahead of you so that you can maintain a constant speed without having to slow down or accelerate. This should smooth out the slinky effect and help you achieve better fuel milage, by avoiding heavy or abrupt use of your vehicle's accelerator.
posted by PassatTDI on December 16, 2011
this tip works for 98% of voting Fuelly members.
Follow the 2-6-12 sec rule.
I follow the 26-12 sec rule. taught in the motorcycle safety school. basically you look ahead and keep scanning the traffic 2 sec ahead of you- where you will be in 2 secs at present speed . This is to make sure you have reasonable distance. 6 sec ahead of you - 4-5 cars ahead of you. this so you can react before the driver in front of you reacts to a de-accelerating event. 12 secs - when you can see the freeway far ahead because of crests and troughs. This so you can keep aware of the traffic conditions and slow down in advance when you see score of lights some 1000 feet ahead of you. All this helps in saving gas. I myself saved abt 10%$ or more.
posted by USCGTO on December 14, 2011
this tip works for 91% of voting Fuelly members.
Keep a reasonable distance from the car ahead
Keeping a reasonable distance from the car ahead helps you not brake too hard and also helps you react to the traffic leading to better efficiency.
posted by USCGTO on December 14, 2011
this tip works for 100% of voting Fuelly members.
Replace your thermostat
Kind of goes hand in hand with the "maintenance" tip...but you'd be surprised how important that little guy under the hood is....heard some people who take OUT the thermostat...but that could be causing your vehicle to run too rich, causing it to burn more fuel.
posted by ahoier on December 13, 2011
this tip works for 64% of voting Fuelly members.
No reciept needed! Save paper!
Use your phone to take a snapshot of the fuel pump readings (price/gallons pumped) and your odometer reading. Enter into your fuelly account when you get home!
posted by ajf on November 27, 2011
this tip works for 56% of voting Fuelly members.
Don't top it off
You need extra room in your gas tank to allow the gasoline to expand. If you top off your tank, the extra gas may evaporate into your vehicle’s vapor collection system. That system may become fouled and will not work properly causing your vehicle to run poorly and have higher tailpipe emissions.
posted by sr20de on November 25, 2011
this tip works for 56% of voting Fuelly members.
Engine Braking Uses NO Fuel
A tip for Manual Transmissions - Coasting with the engine idling uses very little fuel (just enough to keep the engine going), but modern engines shut off completely the fuel supply when letting the engine slow the car (foot off the accelerator/gas pedal). So use engine braking as much as possible, and watch your fuel efficiency soar. Remember though that engine braking doesn't show your brake/stoplights so cars behind might be unaware of your slowing. Also remember to avoid labouring the engine by letting the RPM drop too low. Idling is necessary when the engine reaches 1000RPM or less.
posted by orcomma on November 22, 2011
this tip works for 69% of voting Fuelly members.
Walk in and order
To save fuel (and probably get quicker service) at the fast food place, park your car and walk inside. You will get your order quicker and won't have to sit in line while your engine is idling and consuming fuel.
posted by Vanilla05 on November 21, 2011
this tip works for 95% of voting Fuelly members.
Coast in gear
One or two tips on here about coasting, but they either say to do so out of gear, or don't say. The best way is to stay in gear, but with feet off the pedals. In a modern car, this will usually use less fuel than being out of gear as less fuel will be put into the engine (because the wheels are keeping it turning) than to keep it idling while out of gear. Also, in the UK at least, coasting out of gear is not recommended due to a reduction in control of the car - see rule 122 of the highway code. http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/TravelAndTransport/Highwaycode/DG_070304
posted by billshep on November 21, 2011
this tip works for 53% of voting Fuelly members.
Consistent Throttle Application
Forget cruise control and learn to apply consistent throttle pressure. It may mean slowing down while going uphill, but you'll make it up on the way back down. Also don't be afraid you get your vehicle up to speed in a smooth, controlled manner. Keep an eye on your instant fuel economy gauge and be mindful of other drivers!
posted by NoGas2 on November 13, 2011
this tip works for 66% of voting Fuelly members.
Turning from outside lane to keep momentum
**Only do this in safe circumstances. I do not condone unsafe driving practices** When I drive my route to work and back it requires several right hand turns. WHEN POSSIBLE, I move to the left lane as I approach the turn and then make my turn from there. This allows a higher turning speed, thereby saving momentum and burning less fuel during acceleration to cruising speed. Again, I do this ONLY when it's safe (no other vehicles in my immediate area).
posted by dz302 on November 13, 2011
this tip works for 22% of voting Fuelly members.
Ride a bike
If you can, ride a bike to work.
posted by afonfo on November 11, 2011
this tip works for 47% of voting Fuelly members.
do not coast in neutral
contrary to the fuelly tip "coast", you should not coast to a stop light in neutral for 2 reasons: 1) it's illegal to coast in neutral (you can coast with you clutch disengaged, though); and 2) you will still use fuel when you coast in neutral, since your engine needs to idle. if you coast in gear and with the clutch still engaged, the momentum of your car keeps the engine turning, and no fuel is used.
posted by CowtanGoesMoo on November 4, 2011
this tip works for 56% of voting Fuelly members.
Install a set of lowering springs
Lowering springs, often accompanied by more low-friendly aftermarket struts, can typically lower your car's height (thus ground clearance) anywhere from half an inch to two inches. Your car will be slightly more aerodynamic, especially at highway speeds and thus slightly lower fuel consumption can be easily achieved. You will feel more confident going into turns due to a more solid and planted feel(lowering springs are usually on the firm side to accompany the drop). By using the brakes less when entering turns, you can save some gas as well. On the minuscule side, less energy will be lost during acceleration due to the movement of the softer original springs. Don't forget the sleeker look of your car when it's lowered ;-)
posted by cuts_off_prius on October 25, 2011
this tip works for 25% of voting Fuelly members.
Drive in your Tallest Gear
Since fuel consumption is a function of RPM and engine load, driving in higher gear when possible is more efficient. In a manual transmission, you can up-shift at a lower RPM when not pulling a heavy load, resulting in better average fuel economy over the same vehicle with an automatic transmission. But if you have an automatic transmission, you can still control what gear you run in to some extent. By knowing where your shift points are, you can coax an up-shift by letting off on your accelerator slightly when reaching them. For example, on my commute, there's an area with a 35 mph speed limit and light traffic. If I accelerate up to 40, my transmission will up-shift to fourth gear instead of third, and I can slow back down to 35 and continue to run in fourth, with lower RPM (and fuel consumption) than third gear.
posted by gopher292 on October 19, 2011
this tip works for 100% of voting Fuelly members.
Aerodynamics
When traveling at high speeds on motorways and duel carrage ways on your motorcycle, it helps alot to tuck into your motorcycle plastics (if you have any) or behind the screen. This causes less drag and gives more mpg in return!
posted by MillaMeter on October 19, 2011
this tip works for 90% of voting Fuelly members.
Recording mileage without a phone or pen
When fueling up my motorcycle, I use the tip of my key to write my odometer reading on the top of the receipt against a hard surface. Since it's thermal paper it looks like it was written with a pencil. This is useful for when you have multiple fuel-ups on a trip and reset the trip odometer between them.
posted by Fox on October 18, 2011
this tip works for 94% of voting Fuelly members.
Give your car highway miles.
It is possible to get more MPG out of your car for riding on the highway more than in the city. More highway driving gives your car less wear and takes advantage of your highway miles, saving you more money in the long run.
posted by lionspy100 on October 17, 2011
this tip works for 57% of voting Fuelly members.
