• Whenever possible use the most fuel efficient vehicle or piece of equipment for the required trip or job.
• Don't use a higher grade gasoline than recommended by your vehicle manual.
• Brake early and slowly decelerate to maximize fuel economy.
• Avoid sudden stops and starts as much as possible.
• Accelerate slowly. Imagine an egg between your foot and the accelerator pedal.
• Driving faster than posted speed limits is dangerous and increases stress. Allow time to reach your destination by driving at a proper speed. The faster a vehicle travels the more fuel it burns.
• Anticipate traffic conditions, signals and slowdowns. Driving at a consistent speed will provide improved fuel economy.
• Cruise control may be a fuel-saving option on open roads.
• Use air conditioning sparingly in stop-and-go traffic. At steady freeway speeds, however, it may be better to use the air conditioner than to drive with your windows down, which increases wind resistance.
• Routinely maintain your vehicles. Keeping tires inflated, moving components properly lubricated, and ignition and emission systems operating properly will help maximize fuel economy and extend the life of your vehicle.
• Under-inflated tires are a safety hazard and can cut fuel economy as much as two percent for each pound of pressure below the recommended level.
• Avoid extended idling and warm-up periods. Idling consumes up to one gallon of fuel per hour.
• If purchasing or leasing a new vehicle, consider options that may affect fuel usage, such as vehicle size, engine size, cruise control and color. A light exterior color, light interior cloth seats and tinted windows can reduce heat buildup and reduce the need for air conditioning. Four-wheel-drive vehicles may use more gasoline than other vehicles, especially if the four-wheel drive mechanism is engaged during routine driving.
• A vehicle with an automatic transmission may use more gasoline than one with a manual transmission.
• Planning your route so as to avoid making left-hand turns can save time and fuel.

Paying attention to the basics will pay off with savings opportunities in the long run, and may even help your insurance rates at the same time by reducing claims. If you practice these efforts now, you will be rewarded that much more should fuel prices begin to drop again.

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