13 Ways to Increase your Fuel Economy and Reduce Fuel Costs

A summary of an article that was in the May 2004 issue of Automotive Fleet Magazine written by Mike Antich.

1. Make sure your tires are inflated to the proper pressure. One tire that is under inflated by only 5 psi will reduce fuel economy by 10%. The proper tire pressure is marked on the side wall of your tires. If you need a tire gauge for your company car, buy one, and we will reimburse you for it. I would ask that you turn it in with your car in the future.

2. Purchase 87 octane fuel only. Most of today's vehicles are designed to run with it and filling up with premium only increases cost. All of our company cars are designed to run with it and our policy manual sets this standard as well.

3. Eliminate all unnecessary weight from your vehicle. Every 200lbs of extra weight reduces fuel economy by 1 mpg.

4. Avoid long idling. Restarting the engine uses about the same amount of gas as idling for 30 seconds. If you are going to be sitting still for longer, turn the engine off.

5. Buy gasoline in the morning when the temperature is coldest and the fuel is densest. Fuel is sold by volume, not density. As the fuel warms up during the day it will expand in your tank. Don't completely fill your tank allowing the fuel to expand and overflow.

6. Monitor Preventative Maintenance schedules. Keep the air filter clean by replacing it every 30,000 miles. A dirty filter limits the engine's air intake causing it to burn more fuel.

7. Be an energy conscious driver. Only use the A/C when really needed since it is one of the biggest drains on engine power and fuel economy. It can reduce fuel economy by 5 to 20% depending on the vehicle and how it is driven.

8. Encourage carpooling when appropriate.

9. Drive at moderate speeds. This reduces wind drag which helps the vehicle use less fuel. A car traveling at 65 mph uses 15% more fuel than the same car traveling at 55 mph. I know a few of you personally and find it interesting that your personality matches your fuel economy. I get a Wright Express report each month showing the fuel economy for each driver and car.

10. Use cruise control. Changing speeds uses more fuel. Traveling at a constant speed uses less.

11. Develop an efficient routing plan for the day's work. Obviously if you can drive fewer miles or sit at fewer traffic lights, you have saved fuel.

12. When feasible, have two employees per vehicle. Ride together when possible.

13. Avoid Jackrabbit starts. A car uses more fuel when accelerating. Try to limit hard acceleration and fast braking.

Thanks for your help and travel safely.