Drain the Gas Nozzle at the Pump
When pumping your gas, be sure to give the nozzle a little shake while still inside your gas tank. Tip the handle up and let the remaining gasoline pour into your car. It's a few drops you have already paid for, and it makes the gas station a little safer when you rehang the nozzle. This little shake not only saves the gasoline that belongs in the tank, it also reduces the fire risk of spilled gas around the tanks - and the risk of gasoline stains on your clothes.
Keep Your Tires Inflated
Tire inflation has a profound effect on your gas mileage. While slightly deflated, tires stick to the road better. More surface area of the tour slouches to the road level and clings to the asphalt. Slightly overinflated tires become bouncy and glide the pavement without resistance. You will want to check your tires carefully each week and keep them on the full side of the recommended tire inflation range for your make, model, and choice of tire.
Tires at the correct inflation, leaning toward well-inflated, are more fuel-efficient. However, there may be times when letting a tiny amount of air out of your tires may achieve greater driving safety on risky roads. Stay aware of your tire inflation and how it affects your traction.
Get Rid of Dead Weight in the Car
Don't let extra weight slow down your car and its mileage. If you don't need that bike rack or Kayak rig, take it off your car. Luggage racks and hood mounts of any kind create drag and add weight, which ultimately burns fuel.
Empty your car of any trash and remove the extraneous gear that may have been tossed in the back seat. Most people have a few lost items. Clear out your trunk of anything but what you want to be driving around (ex: first aid kit, briefcase, etc.) to minimize the weight of your car when using fuel to pull it forward.
Avoid Idling When Parked
Idling, letting your car run while not moving, is one of the biggest drains on your fuel supply. Sitting at traffic lights and drive-through windows is a pain and can also use up your gas for the day. While you should never turn your car off at a light, you can switch your car off and then back on in a slow drive-through or while stopped in a parking lot getting directions from your navigator.
Try to avoid idling your engine when parked searching for directions, texting safely or waiting for someone. Switch your engine off and use the entertainment mod - often turning your key one click in the ignition reverse direction.
Accelerate Gently and Coast to a Stop - When Possible
Driving gently can also help you reduce the gas you use for every daily trip. Start by accelerating gently - coming up to speed with light pushes off the accelerator whenever gentle acceleration is possible. Also, try to use the brake pedal as little as possible. When you see a stop or slow-down coming, simply take your foot off the accelerator and coast to a stop - whenever possible.
Little nudges to the brakes can help your car reduce in speed without losing much of the kinetic energy you've already built up.
Use Cruise Control on the Highway
Another easy way to drive gently is to use cruise control combined with the eco settings of (most) modern cars. Cruise control tries to optimize your fuel use for the set speed. The computer varies in speed very little, allowing you to hold your place in traffic or enjoy a long stretch of road with ease and fuel efficiency.
On the open road where your speed is unlikely to change for some time, cruise control is one of the best ways to reduce variance in your fuel use, achieve your goals with grocery budgeting, and avoid unnecessary acceleration through each trip.
