Driving guide

Eco-Driving: Save Fuel and Reduce Wear

Eco-driving is just smooth, anticipatory driving. The same techniques that save fuel also reduce wear on the brakes, transmission, and tires, and produce a calmer ride for passengers.

Anticipate, don't brake

Look further ahead and lift off the gas to slow down naturally instead of braking. Every time you brake, you are converting fuel-purchased momentum into waste heat in the brake pads.

Smooth acceleration

Hard acceleration burns disproportionately more fuel than gentle acceleration. Pulling away from a stop sign smoothly and reaching cruising speed gradually is dramatically more efficient than racing to the next red light.

Maintain steady speed

Use cruise control on the highway when conditions allow it. Holding a steady speed avoids the small accelerations and decelerations that consume extra fuel.

Tire pressure

Tires that are five pounds under-inflated reduce fuel economy by about two percent and wear out faster. Check tire pressure monthly with a real gauge — the dashboard light only triggers when pressure is severely low.