Smooth, safe driving also saves fuel, money and wear on your vehicle. Many of the handbook's eco-driving tips double as safety rules, including a legal following distance and how far you travel before braking.
Driving habits that save fuel:
- Slow down: fuel use rises about 5% for every 5 mph above 60 mph
- Ease up: rapid starts and hard stops can raise fuel use 40% but cut travel time only 4%
- Accelerate gradually, anticipate stops, and keep a constant speed
- Use air conditioning above 40 mph; it creates less drag than open windows
- Warm up by driving: it only takes 30 seconds to get ready to drive, even on cold days
- Use cruise control on flat highways for about 7% average fuel savings
- If the onboard diagnostics (OBD) light comes on, talk with your dealer
Know the rule
Two-second rule (13 AAC 02.090): when the vehicle ahead reaches a fixed object, count "one-one thousand, two-one thousand." Reaching it before you finish counting means you're too close.
Handbook p. 86 ↗Time to react and step on the brake; at 50 mph you travel 55 feet before braking, then 160 feet or more to stop
Handbook p. 86 ↗Be alert:
- Don't rest your foot on the brake pedal (riding your brakes)
- Never pump the brakes if your vehicle has antilock brakes
- Always slow down near a curve or anywhere you can't see clearly ahead
- Give yourself more distance in rain or snow; wet or icy roads need longer to stop
Know the rule
Idling wastes fuel and may be prohibited. Turn off your car for stops expected to last longer than 30 to 60 seconds; if you must idle, shift to neutral.
Handbook p. 86 ↗Maintenance that saves fuel:
- Tighten the fuel cap: loose caps waste fuel; a tight cap can save about $120 per year
- Remove unneeded weight and unused roof racks and carriers
- Use the manufacturer's recommended oil grade (1-2% better fuel economy)
- A tune-up can improve mileage by an average of 4%
- Keep the air filter clean; clogged filters cut mileage by 10%
Drive less:
- Take public transportation, bicycle, walk, or carpool
- Combine errands and go to the farthest stop first
- Shop, bank, and pay bills online when you can
Put it into practice
You're cruising at 50 mph when a child's ball rolls into the road. In the 3/4 second before your foot reaches the brake, you travel about 55 feet, then may need 160 feet or more to stop. That's why following distance matters.