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Reducing Your Fuel Consumption

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The number of cars and trucks today is mind-boggling, and it continues to grow steadily each year throughout the world. It is of little surprise then that vehicles represent the second largest source of greenhouse gases, contributing to global warming. As a driver, you can do something to tame the emissions of your car with only a little effort. You can do this in two ways: first, by getting the maximum fuel efficiency from your car, and, secondly, by minimizing car use, especially in daily commutes. The critical actions given below can help you reduce your fuel consumption by 15 to 20 percent. (more)

KEY STATISTIC

"For the U.S., Canada, and Europe, the noxious cloud from automobile exhaust pipes amounts to nearly 7 billion kg or 15.6 billion lb of carbon dioxide dumped into the atmosphere.

And that's every 24 hours!"

The most critical actions for reducing fuel consumption

1… Once a week commute by public transport .

Zer0 mph /kph. Once a week instead of using your car, take public transportation to go to work (or even drive part of the way for one or more days, click Bigger Commitment at left for details).

2… Drive at optimal speed (55 mph/90 kph) as much as possible.

55 mph / 90 kph. Drive at 55 mph/90 kph on the highway for maximum fuel economy; this is the optimum speed for conventional petroleum-fuel engines (click 10 Best Driving Habits) at left for details).

3… Regularly change or clean your air filter.

Let the air flow! A small thing that makes a big difference. Every two or three months change or clean your vehicle's air filter. Learn how to do this yourself, it is as easy as changing the paper bag in a vacuum cleaner. A dirty air filter can dramatically lower your car's fuel efficiency.

4… Regularly check your tire pressure.

Put the pressure on. Weekly check your tire inflation and add air when the tires are not warm (i.e., before you've driven a distance). You'll need to buy a small pressure gauge to keep in the car; you can find these in most auto supplies sections where you shop. Inflate only to the pressure recommended by the manufacturer; this is labeled on the outside of the tire. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, four million gallons or 15 million liters of gasoline are wasted each day for every 1 psi/0.07 bar of pressure below the recommended tire pressure for all US motor vehicles. Think about it. When was the last time you checked your car's tire pressure?

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