Economy Driving

I found several websites with great tips on driving economically that I would like to share with my readers. Disclaimer: It is of critical importance that you always place safety first and fuel economy a very distant second. Although economic miling may be an engaging, exciting and money-saving challenge, never place fuel economy above your safety or that of other road users. Obey all local traffic laws and keep defensive driving your highest priority.

Some of these tips have also come from ecomodder.com - but the disclaimer with this website is that they do some fairly frightening techniques to save fuel...I believe in safety first and only recommend the tips as outlined below...!!!

1. Clean junk from your trunk
The additional weight you carry in your vehicle doesn't ride for free. It takes energy to move it around. Removing unnecessary stuff from your vehicle saves fuel.

2. Remove unused roof racks
If your vehicle come with a roof rack and you don't use it, remove it. Same holds true for bike racks. Doing so will reduce aerodynamic drag, resulting in better fuel economy.

3. Check tire inflation regularly
Make sure that your tire pressures are, at minimum, set to manufacturer specifications. The higher the pressure, the less rolling resistance.Remember that pressure is affected by ambient temperature. As temperature drops, so does your tire pressure, so keep track as the seasons change.

4. Track your fuel consumption
One of the first steps in improving efficiency is tracking fuel consumption. Get in the habit of saving all your fuel receipts, recording distance travelled and fuel economy (MPG). Keep a small notebook to record trip type and new techniques employed to monitor your progress.While the slower pace of tank-to-tank feedback isn't ideal for feedback on driving technique, recording and montoring your "big picture" progress is great motivation. See the Ecomodder Blog for more information on tracking fuel consumption. (They recommend the scanguage - which I have seen in action myself...it is a really great device to help you keep track of your driving consumption and also habits regarding fuel consumption)

5. Take the road less traveled
Generally speaking, if you have the option of choosing lightly traveled roads over busier ones, you give yourself more flexibility to employ a wider range of fuel saving techniques than if you are surrounded by other vehicles.You may even find that a somewhat longer, lightly traveled route may result in lower overall amount of fuel used than the shorter, busier route.

6. Leave early and don't rush
The enemy of efficient driving is finding yourself in a rush. Leave for your destination a little early so you don't feel pressure to drive faster, brake later and otherwise fall back into bad habits.Driving efficiently can be much more relaxing than the typical person's driving style, but you need to allow a bit of extra time.

7. Crosswind barrier
Headwinds aren't the only winds that increase fuel consumption - cross winds can have a large negative effect as well. In crosswind conditions, choosing a route with a barrier (trees or buildings) along the edge will save fuel compared to a road in the open. - this may or may not be possible but it is something to think about...!!!

8. The 'corridor effect'
All else being equal, traveling at a constant speed on a freeway within a flow of traffic (in the same direction) is more efficient than going the same speed in isolation. The reason is aerodynamic: a flow of traffic generates a localized wind current in the direction of travel. You will benefit from this artificial breeze. (Keep space for safety - you can still obtain the 'corridor effect' while maintaining a safe driving distance between vehicles - safety must always be the first priority)

9. Avoid drive-thrus
Avoid drive thru windows. They lead to excessive idling.

10. Lane of least resistance
In multi-lane traffic, choose the "lane of least resistance" to avoid unnecessary and unpredictable braking/changes in speed. EG. avoid lanes where buses are starting and stopping, or cars may be braking unpredictably to turn into driveways/parking lot entrances. (This is not only a good fuel efficient idea...it is a great defensive driving technique)

11. Combine errands
Avoid very short trips. If you have multiple stops, plan them to do all on the same trip. Fuel economy is enhanced once the engine is warmed up, so a longer "chain" of errands will result in better fuel economy than multiple short ones, particularly in cold weather.

12. Avoid Air Conditioning
Avoid using your air conditioner at all costs. Everything you’ve heard about the impact that air conditioners have on fuel economy is true. Ideally, you should drive with your air conditioning off and your windows closed. If you need air, your windows are a much more economical choice.

Remember Defensive Driving not only can save fuel...it can also save lives...!!!