Saving money at the pump while reducing your carbon dioxide emissions go hand-in-hand. And you may already have much of what you’ll need to do both, right now. Even if you haven’t had a chance to buy a new vehicle— which today are cleaner and more fuel efficient than ever before—you can still be an “EcoDriver.” EcoDrivers—no matter what they drive—use simple driving practices and basic maintenance steps to save money and protect the environment at the same time. A typical EcoDriver can increase fuel efficiency by 15 percent or more. Every day, cities and states are among the many doing their part to promote ecofriendly programs and practices. As an EcoDriver you can make a difference too. If everyone nationwide practiced EcoDriving, it would be equivalent to heating and powering nearly 8 cities the size of Los Angeles. Take a look at our EcoDriver’s Guide to learn the safest and most effective practices for improving your fuel economy… you can start right now.
Believe You Can Reduce Fuel Use and Emissions
Many of the best practices for green driving are subtle, but they can add up over a year. Making small changes in your driving can be the most effective way to reduce fuel use and carbon dioxide emissions, and the best part is you can do it today, with whatever vehicle you are currently driving. What you monitor, you manage… so start adapting a “lead foot” to a “feather foot” and keep track of the savings over several tanks of gas. Typically, practicing moderate levels of EcoDriving can reduce fuel use by an average of 15%.
Avoid Rapid Starts and Stops
Rapid starts and stops, often called “jack rabbit” starts and stops, use fuel and costs money at the gas pump. Gentle acceleration and braking can save more than $1 per gallon, according to the U.S. EPA, because smart driving can improve fuel economy by up to 33%. A few seconds of high-powered driving can use as much gas as driving for several minutes at more measured speeds. Ease into accelerations and brake smoothly, especially around corners, to raise your mileage the most. Avoid tailgating. When EcoDrivers avoid rapid starts and stops, they are not only practicing safe driving habits, but they’re also reducing the energy required to get the vehicle moving again.

Source

Related Tags: acceleration, best practices, carbon dioxide emissions, costs money, feather foot, fuel economy, fuel efficiency, jack rabbit, lead foot, maintenance steps, moderate levels, rabbit, saving money, small changes, tanks, u s epa