Maintain tire pressure, reduce weight, and drive smoothly

Keep tires inflated to the pressure on the driver's doorjamb sticker (not the tire sidewall maximum), remove unnecessary cargo weight, and adopt smooth acceleration and braking habits. These three changes alone can improve fuel economy by 3-10%.

Why It Works

Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, forcing the engine to burn more fuel. Every 100 lb of extra weight reduces efficiency by roughly 1%. Aggressive driving -- rapid acceleration and hard braking -- wastes fuel that steady, anticipatory driving conserves.

Tips

• Check tire pressure monthly when tires are cold for an accurate reading
• Remove roof racks and cargo carriers when not in use to cut aerodynamic drag
• Use cruise control on highways to maintain a steady, efficient speed
• Turn off the engine if stopped for more than 60 seconds (except in moving traffic)
• Keep up with manufacturer-recommended engine maintenance and air filter replacements