Saving Gas when Driving

"Electric cars aren't pollution-free; they have to get their energy from somewhere."
-Alexandra Paul

Popular Mechanics has 6 ideas for saving gas this summer.

1. Avoid hard braking at stops. Coast when you can.
2. Get to cruising speed quickly. Cars are more efficient at higher gears so you waste gas if you slowly accelerate. On the other hand, this is not a drag race. 15 seconds to reach 50 mph is about right.
3. On hot days at high speeds use the Air Conditioner. At 55 mph the A/C and open windows get similar gas mileage. At higher speeds the A/C wins. Below 55 the windows have the advantage.
4. Speeds kills (MPG) - air resistance increases with speed. So going over the speed limit will save very little time and cost more money.
5. Climb hills slowly - you gain some mpg (but not much) if you turn off cruise control on hills and allow the car to slow down a bit instead of accelerating to keep the same speed. Just beware of angry drivers!
6. When coasting down hill, leave the car in gear. "Most fuel-injected engines today use computer-controlled Deceleration Fuel Cut Off: When you lift your foot from the gas while leaving the car in gear, injectors shut off automatically, so, the engine consumes no fuel at all while the vehicle is coasting downhill." A car in neutral gear will continue burning some fuel.  

Bottom Line

Read more: Driving Tips to Save Gas - Memorial Day Weekend - Popular Mechanics