How to Be Fuel-Efficient When Driving

If you’re like most Portland drivers, you’re always looking for new ways to conserve fuel while running your daily errands. Many new vehicles are fuel-efficient by nature. However, the best way to maximize those mpg ratings is to also put fuel-efficient driving habits into practice. Read on for a few great tips on how to be fuel-efficient as you go about your daily drives. 

Five Tips for Being a Fuel-Conscious Driver 

Whether you’re heading to work in Vancouver, WA or hitting the highways for a weekend vacation, you can use the following tips anytime and anywhere to help you make the most of your car’s fuel: 

1. Accelerate Softly: Press the gas pedal gently; the harder you press, the more fuel you use. Accelerate smoothly and take five seconds to bring your vehicle up to 10 mph from a standstill. 
2. Plan Ahead for Traffic: Sitting and stop-and-go traffic is not only an inefficient use of fuel, but it can also put mechanical stress on your car’s drivetrain. To avoid rush hour, leave at least 15 minutes early, and try to find a shortcut to reach your destination sans the hassle. 
3. Avoid High Speeds: Cars use more fuel when traveling at higher speeds. To achieve the best possible fuel economy on the highways, for example, keep your speed between 55 and 65 mph (just make sure you’re following the speed limit).
4. Coast to a Stop: Rather than applying your brakes constantly, look at the road ahead. If there’s no one ahead of you and you need to come to a stop, take your foot off the gas pedal and let your car coast to a stop. How can you save fuel while driving on hills? Reduce your speed as you venture uphill, and again, use your car’s forward momentum to coast downhill. 

1. Use AC at Highway Speeds: Car AC does require gas, so use it sparingly when you’re traveling around town. On the highways, using your car’s AC vs. rolling down the windows is more efficient. This is because opening the windows increases the drag coefficient. 

Find a Fuel-Efficient Buick, GMC for Sale in Gresham! 

Are you shopping for a new vehicle that’s as luxurious as it is fuel-efficient? Contact us at Weston Buick GMC, Inc. online or by calling (503) 665-2166 to schedule a test drive near Oregon City. We’ll give you a tour of our most fuel-efficient models and help you find the right model for your lifestyle. Want more helpful reads? Check out our lease deals and buying vs. leasing guide!