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Introduction.

Improving the fuel economy of your vehicle is not just about being environmentally conscious and cutting down on pollution created but it also results in immediate savings for the driver.

Improving the fuel economy of your vehicle does not involve rocket science or any major modifications of the vehicle's internal combustion system. Contrary to many adds that advertise conversion kits that claim 20% to 30% improved fuel economy, you can achieve 20% or higher saving on your gas bill by following few simple steps and without installing any of such gadgets.

Improving the fuel economy of your car.

US Environmental Protection Agency came up with an excellent article everyone should read. It outlines the 4-point plan that can significantly save on fuel consumption of the vehicle. While some of those steps mean switching to more fuel efficient vehicle (does not work if you already own the vehicle and do not intend to trade it for more fuel efficient vehicle), the other three steps can be implemented by everyone regardless what vehicle you drive.

The address to the document is: http://www.fueleconomy.gov/FEG /drive.shtml

This article will borrow on some of the principles outlined in addition to offering some practical tips on how to achieve such gains.

1) Change Your Driving Style

The old "pedal to the metal" philosophy will cost you on fuel as well as increase wear and tear factor your vehicle will experience.

- Keep your driving speed recommended to the prescribed speed limit. Most of traffic lights are timed so that if you are in-sync and driving according to the speed limit you will not end up stopping at every intersection (red light). Idling while waiting for the light to change and repeated acceleration and deceleration will double up the fuel consumption the vehicle requires to operate. Driving to fast or to slow does not directly correlate with the fuel consumption. Driving slower than 20 MPH or faster than 55 MPH will cause your engine to burn more gas therefore lowering the fuel efficiency of your vehicle. Wherever possible stay within 20-55 MPH speed range and you will save 7-23% on the cost of fuel consumed.

- Idling. If you know that you will be staying on one place for longer than few minutes shut down your engine. Idling your car while you quickly jump back to the house or run to your office will only cost you. More often than not that 30 second trip you are taking will turn into few minutes or longer. Idling car consumes more gasoline than driving

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