U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY EPA 420-F-92-004
OFFICE OF MOBILE SOURCES
Tips to Save Gas and Improve Mileage
What can I do to save gas?
• Walk, bike, take a bus, or carpool when possible. Use your car only
when necessary. Public transportation authorities often have carpooling
information as well as transit services. If you own more than one vehicle,
drive the one that gets the best gas mileage whenever possible.
• Combine errands into one trip. Consolidate trips to destinations that
are near one another. Once you arrive, park and walk between destina
tions. Save errands for one afternoon and plan your trip so you don't
retrace your route. You not only save gas this way, but reduce wear-and-
tear on your car.
• Drive your car wisely and maintain it properly. The way you drive
and take care of your car can make a big difference in your gas mileage.
What can I do to get better gas mileage when I drive?
You can greatly improve your mileage by having your car serviced regularly
and by driving wisely. Any of these eight points can help improve your
mileage:
Go easy on the brakes and gas pedal. Avoid "jackrabbit" starts by
accelerating gradually whenever possible. Also, anticipate stops to avoid
sudden braking.
Avoid long idles. Turn off the engine if you anticipate a lengthy wait.
Instead of idling at a drive-up window, park the car and go in. Idling
burns more gas than restarting the engine. Limit car warmups in winter.
Avoid carrying unneeded items in the trunk. Extra weight decreases
gas mileage. Also, reduce drag by placing items inside the car or trunk
rather than on roof racks.
Avoid high speeds. You can improve your gas mileage about 15 percent
by driving at 55 mph rather than 65 mph.
FACT SHEET OMS-17.
August, 1994
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Tips to Save Gas and Improve Mileage
• Use your air conditioning only when necessary. Roll down the
windows or open the air vents to keep your car comfortable on not-so-hot days.
• Use overdrive. If your car is equipped with overdrive gearing (on 5-
speed manual transmissions and 4-speed automatic transmissions), be sure to
make use of the overdrive gear as soon as your speed is high enough. If you have
a manual transmission, the lower the shift speed, the better the fuel economy.
Your owner's manual will give you further information.
• Keep tires properly inflated and aligned. Periodic wheel alignments
and keeping tires inflated to the maximum recommended pressure can improve
your gas mileage.
• Get regular engine tuneups and car maintenance checks. Tuneups
improve performance as well as gas mileage. Check your owner's manual for
recommended maintenance schedules. By following the manufacturer's recom-
mendations, you should avoid fuel economy problems due to worn spark plugs,
dragging brakes, low transmission fluid, or the transmission not going into high
gear.
What should I consider when buying a new car?
• Understand your needs and buy accordingly. Get only the options
you really need. Optional equipment that adds weight to your car can decrease
your gas mileage (especially heavy options such as four-wheel drive). Automatic
transmissions generally degrade fuel economy. Larger engines and higher horse-
power typically result in lower gas mileage. If you need the additional power
and torque, be aware your gas mileage will suffer during all types of driving.
• Check the gas mileage ratings of similar vehicles. Buy a fuel effi
cient model in the size category that meets your needs. The Federal Gas Mileage
Guide, issued annually and free of charge at all auto dealerships, compares gas
mileage of similar models.
For More Information:
The Office of Mobile Sources is the national center for research and policy on air
pollution from highway and off-highway motor vehicles and equipment. You
can write to us at the EPA National Vehicle and Fuel Emissions Laboratory,
2565 Plymouth Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48105. Our phone number is (313) 668-4333.
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