U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY EPA 420-F-92-004

OFFICE OF MOBILE SOURCES

FACT SHEET OMS-17

August, 1994

Tips to Save Gas and Improve Mileage

What can I do to save gas?

• Walk, bike, take a bus, or carpool when possible. Use your car only

when necessary. Public transportation authorities often have carpooling

information as well as transit services. If you own more than one vehicle,

drive the one that gets the best gas mileage whenever possible.

• Combine errands into one trip. Consolidate trips to destinations that

are near one another. Once you arrive, park and walk between destina

tions. Save errands for one afternoon and plan your trip so you don’t

retrace your route. You not only save gas this way, but reduce wear-andtear on your car.

• Drive your car wisely and maintain it properly. The way you drive

and take care of your car can make a big difference in your gas mileage.

What can I do to get better gas mileage when I drive?

You can greatly improve your mileage by having your car serviced regularly

and by driving wisely. Any of these eight points can help improve your

mileage:

• Go easy on the brakes and gas pedal. Avoid “jackrabbit” starts by

accelerating gradually whenever possible. Also, anticipate stops to avoid

sudden braking.

• Avoid long idles. Turn off the engine if you anticipate a lengthy wait.

Instead of idling at a drive-up window, park the car and go in. Idling

burns more gas than restarting the engine. Limit car warmups in winter.

• Avoid carrying unneeded items in the trunk. Extra weight decreases

gas mileage. Also, reduce drag by placing items inside the car or trunk

rather than on roof racks.

• Avoid high speeds. You can improve your gas mileage about 15 percent

by driving at 55 mph rather than 65 mph.
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Tips to Save Gas and Improve Mileage

For More Information:

The Office of Mobile Sources is the national center for research and policy on air

pollution from highway and off-highway motor vehicles and equipment. You

can write to us at the EPA National Vehicle and Fuel Emissions Laboratory,

2565 Plymouth Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48105. Our phone number is (313) 668-4333.

• Use your air conditioning only when necessary. Roll down the

windows or open the air vents to keep your car comfortable on not-so-hot days.

• Use overdrive. If your car is equipped with overdrive gearing (on 5-

speed manual transmissions and 4-speed automatic transmissions), be sure to

make use of the overdrive gear as soon as your speed is high enough. If you have

a manual transmission, the lower the shift speed, the better the fuel economy.

Your owner’s manual will give you further information.

• Keep tires properly inflated and aligned. Periodic wheel alignments

and keeping tires inflated to the maximum recommended pressure can improve

your gas mileage.

• Get regular engine tuneups and car maintenance checks. Tuneups

improve performance as well as gas mileage. Check your owner’s manual for

recommended maintenance schedules. By following the manufacturer’s recommendations, you should avoid fuel economy problems due to worn spark plugs,

dragging brakes, low transmission fluid, or the transmission not going into high

gear.

What should I consider when buying a new car?

• Understand your needs and buy accordingly. Get only the options

you really need. Optional equipment that adds weight to your car can decrease

your gas mileage (especially heavy options such as four-wheel drive). Automatic

transmissions generally degrade fuel economy. Larger engines and higher horsepower typically result in lower gas mileage. If you need the additional power

and torque, be aware your gas mileage will suffer during all types of driving.

• Check the gas mileage ratings of similar vehicles. Buy a fuel efficient model in the size category that meets your needs. The Federal Gas Mileage

Guide, issued annually and free of charge at all auto dealerships, compares gas

mileage of similar models.