Get that "check engine" light checked promptly.When this dashboard warning light comes on,it often means that the vehicle's oxygen sensor has failed and that could reduce the engine's fuel efficiency by as much as 40%. Replace your air filter regularly: A clogged air filter can reduce fuel efficiency by up to 10%.Filter typically last about 12 months or 12,000 miles,but inspect your every 3 months.If you see significant amounts of grime on the filter,replace it.Check your air filter every one to two months if you do alot of driving on dirt roads.Relacing an air filter is a simple job the vehicle's owner's manual explains how.Replacement of air filters typically cost $20.
Check your tire pressure at least once every 3 months.Keeping tires inflated to the recommended pressure could improve your fuel efficiency by 10%.It also could extend the life of your tires and reduce odds of a dangerous blowout.The proper tire pressure should be listed in the owner's manual,inside the drivers's door of the vehicle or inside the glove compartment on a sticker.
Use cruise control when driving on open roads.Cruise control keeps the vehicle's speed much steadier than you could on your own.
Exception: Turn off the cruise control when driving on montainous terrain.Trying to hold to a specific speed on steep inclines and declines tends to use more fuel,not less.
Avoid sudden starts and stops: Coast gently to stoplights and stop signs.Accelerate conservatively.Braking hard and accelerating rapidly reduce fuel efficiency by anywhere from 5% to more than 30%.If there is more than one way to reach a destination,select the shortest route that has the fewest stop signs and stoplights.
Go easy on the air conditioner(AC): Modern cars have efficient A/C systems,so running the A/C won't decrease your fuel efficiency by much,but you still can save as much as 5%.Try to use A/C when driving on highways the drag created by open windows reduces fuel efficiency at high speeds but open the windows when driving slowly.
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