How to Be Fuel Efficient When Driving

Fuel efficiency is a major concern for many Hudson drivers, and for good reason. Gas prices can fluctuate wildly, and even small increases can add up over time. But there are fuel-efficient driving habits you can adopt to improve your fuel economy, without having to sacrifice performance or comfort. Our service department has put together the guide below on how to be fuel efficient. We’ll also talk about how you can save fuel while driving on hills.

Tips on How to Be Fuel Efficient

There are simple fuel-efficient driving habits that everyone can adopt. Here are a few tips on how to be fuel efficient when driving along our Saugerties roads:

• Accelerate and brake gently. The harder you accelerate and brake, the more fuel you use. So take your time getting up to speed, and coast to a stop whenever possible.
• Maintain a steady speed. Once you’re up to speed, try to maintain a steady pace. This will help you avoid using more fuel than necessary.
• Anticipate traffic. Pay attention to the road ahead and anticipate stops and slowdowns. This will help you avoid having to brake suddenly, which wastes fuel.
• Avoid high speeds. Fuel economy decreases at highway speeds above 55 mph. So if you’re on a long road trip, try to keep your speed below that whenever possible.
• Use cruise control. Cruise control can help you maintain a steady speed, which can improve fuel economy. Just be sure to turn it off when you’re driving in traffic or on winding roads.
• Keep your tires properly inflated. Underinflated tires can increase drag and reduce fuel economy. So, be sure to check your tire pressure regularly.
• Combine errands. Instead of making multiple trips, try to combine your errands into one. This will help you reduce the amount of time you spend on the road and save fuel in the process.

How Can You Save Fuel While Driving on Hills?

Driving on hills can be challenging, especially when you’re trying to save gas. How can you save fuel while driving on hills? Follow the tips below:

• Shift gears properly. If you’re driving a manual transmission, upshift to a higher gear when you’re going uphill. This will reduce the amount of work your engine has to do, which can save fuel.
• Use momentum. When you’re going downhill, try to maintain your momentum. This will help you avoid having to accelerate again, which uses fuel.
• Avoid riding the brakes. When you’re going downhill, don’t ride the brakes. This can overheat your brakes and waste fuel. Instead, use the engine to slow down by shifting to a lower gear.

Check Out the Fuel-Efficient Cars at Sawyer Chevrolet, Inc. of Catskill

If you’re looking for a new fuel-efficient vehicle, be sure to visit Sawyer Chevrolet, Inc. today. We have a wide selection of fuel-efficient vehicles to choose from, and our experienced sales staff can help you find the perfect vehicle for your needs and budget. And, if you’d like to learn more, check out our summer gas-saving tips and our post on how to calculate gas mileage. We’re just a short trip away from Windham and we’re here to help, so drop by or contact us today!