Heavy traffic and long turning delays increase idle time. By driving above the posted maximum speed limit, the vehicle not only uses more fuel, but the driver is more likely to brake more frequently. Each time the brakes are applied, the laws of physics tell us that the vehicle's energy is being burned up. The more rapid the stop, the more quickly energy is being wasted. Gradual acceleration, driving at a moderate speed, and smooth stopping can help a vehicle deliver its optimum fuel economy.
Drivers acquire other energy eating habits.
They do recommend no hard acceleration, heavy pulling, or steep hill climbing for the first mile or so. Poor vehicle maintenance unnecessarily eats energy. Old spent oil loses important engine protecting, friction reducing, fuel saving additives. Old thick oil causes the engine to waste energy. Ignition tune-ups include checking, adjusting and replacing critical components such as the spark plugs, spark plug wires, distributor cap and rotor, vacuum lines, ignition timing and critical emissions control devices.