The biggest cause of
poor fuel economy on the highway is poor driving habits. There is a 41%
decrease in fuel economy from 50 mph to 80. That is like paying $1.38
more per gallon of gasoline.
The faster you go above 50 mph, the
incrementally worse your miles per gallon is. Also, the harder you
accelerate, the more fuel you waste.
When I bought my first car, I
installed a vacuum gauge on the engine. This reflected the amount of
fuel that was being sucked up in through the intake manifold. I soon
learned how to keep the needle in the green (reflected optimal fuel
efficiency).
My rules:
1) stay below 55mph (if traffic flow permits);
2)
accelerate slowly and steadily (avoid racing to get to the next traffic
stop -- leave that to those drivers who don't look or think ahead);
3)
ease up on the
throttle going downhill while also picking up as much speed as is safe /
if traffic flow permits, gradually allow your speed to decrease a bit
going uphill.
4) drive with your windows up to reduce wind drag
I,
also, organize my life so that I save time and money by minimizing the
number of trips I make. And because I live in a metropolis, I plot my
route to make as few left turns as possible. And if you have access to
INRIX traffic app, then check it as you are departing.
Other gas mileage tips:
http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/drive.shtml
http://www.fueleconomy.gov/