How you drive changes how much fuel you burn. These "green driving" habits save money and cut your carbon footprint with any vehicle, and one of them is the law.
Know the rule
Drive less: take public transportation, walk, bike or carpool. Chain errands together, and go to your farthest destination first so the engine warms up quickly for better fuel economy.
Handbook p. 140 ↗Massachusetts law prohibits idling for more than this
Handbook p. 140 ↗Know the rule
Idling gets zero miles per gallon, so switch off the engine when stopped. If you really need to idle, shift to neutral so the engine isn't working against the brake.
Handbook p. 140 ↗Fuel facts
| Habit | Effect |
|---|---|
| Every 5 mph driven above 60 mph | About 5% more fuel (like 30 cents more a gallon) |
| Rapid starts and hard stops | Up to 40% more fuel for only 4% less travel time |
| Tight, undamaged fuel cap | Saves about $120 per year |
| Proper tire pressure | Up to 3% better fuel economy per tankful |
Know the rule
Go easy on the pedals: accelerate gradually, keep a constant speed, and coast when you can. Set the cruise control at 60. An E-ZPass transponder saves time and fuel at tolls.
Handbook p. 140 ↗Know the rule
Loose, damaged or missing fuel caps let 147 million gallons of fuel evaporate each year. Proper tire pressure is also safer and extends tire life.
Handbook p. 140 ↗Know the rule
Speeding costs you too: you use more fuel at higher speeds, and you may face fines and insurance increases.
Handbook p. 86 ↗Put it into practice
You're waiting ten minutes in a school pickup line. Turn off the engine: Massachusetts prohibits idling for more than five minutes, and idling burns fuel while going zero miles.