You’re saving at the pump but kiss that money goodbye if you’re guilty of these driving habits. According to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), aggressive driving is the quickest way to waste gas and can lower gas mileage by as much as 40 percent. Here is a list of the driving habits you’ll want to avoid. Don’t let all the money you’re saving at the pump go to waste!
1. Accelerating Quickly
We know. When that light turns green, you gun it just to get home one minute faster! Accelerating quickly forces your engine to burn fuel inefficiently. Your best bet is to ease into it and accelerate gently.
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2. Not Maintaining a Steady Speed
Once you get going, try and maintain a steady and even speed instead of a pattern of frequent acceleration and deceleration. When you’re on the highway, try using cruise control. It may help save money – both in fuel efficiency and it lowers your chance of getting a speeding ticket.
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3. Speeding
According to information provided by the Department of Energy , gas mileage decreases rapidly after 50 miles per hour. You can assume that each 5 mph you drive over 50 mph is like paying an additional $0.18 per gallon for gas. That can add up after awhile!
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4. Slamming on Your Brakes
If you like to cruise along and then slam on your brakes, you could be costing yourself some money. Hard braking (as well as the previously mentioned fast acceleration) can reduce your average miles per gallon. Try coasting to a stop whenever possible.
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5. Idling
This is a tough one because a warm engine runs more efficiently than a cold one but letting your car warm up burns fuel and is bad for the environment. The best way to maximize fuel efficiency is to consolidate trips, like running errands on your way home from work. Also, be sure to check traffic reports. Sitting in idle traffic will burn fuel. If you can take an alternate route that will not have you at a standstill or in stop-and-go traffic, you could save some money.
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Still not sure if you’re guilty of these habits? Check out the My Trips feature in the GasBuddy app. It will analyze your trips and tell you if you are driving in a way that could cost you money.
