Tune Up:

A properly tuned engine can improve fuel economy about 4 percent, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.  

 

 

Pump Up:

Properly inflated tires improve gas mileage by up to 3.3 percent. Properly inflated tires are safer and last longer. Under-inflated tires can lower fuel economy by 0.3 percent for every one pound-per-square-inch drop in the pressure of all four tires. 

 

 

Unpack:

Carrying unneeded cargo makes your vehicle work harder and use more gas. The EPA says an extra 100 pounds reduces fuel economy up to 2 percent – even more in smaller vehicles. 

 

 

Slow Down:

While each vehicle reaches its optimal fuel economy at a different speed (or range of speeds), gas mileage usually decreases rapidly at speeds above 60 mph, according to the EPA. Every 5 mph over 60 mph is like adding an additional 24 cents per gallon for gas. 

 

 

Avoid Idling:

A car gets 0 mpg when the engine is idling. 

 

 

Chill Out:

Speeding, rapid acceleration and braking can lower gas mileage by 33 percent on the highway and 5 percent in city driving. 

 

 

Put it in Overdrive:

Using an overdrive gear on the highway reduces engine speed, saving both fuel and engine wear. 

 

 

Roll ‘Em Down Around Town:

Air conditioning reduces fuel efficiency by up to 10 percent. Avoid using the air conditioner by rolling down the windows at speeds below 40 mph. At speeds above 45 mph, wind drag uses more fuel than running the A/C. 

 

 

Unclog:

Older cars without fuel injection and computer-controlled technology can lose 14 percent of their fuel economy because of a dirt-clogged air filter, which also can damage the engine. A clean air filter improves acceleration. 

 

 

Use the Right Oil

: Because oil reduces engine friction and friction makes an engine work harder, using the manufacturer’s recommended grade of oil improves fuel economy by 1 percent to 2 percent. 

 

 

Plan your Trips:

Taking your kids to soccer or swim classes? Grocery shopping? Plan logical routes and timing to avoid heavy periods of traffic congestion. 

 

 

Cap Check:

A missing or poorly fitting gas cap can reduce fuel economy by 1 to 2 percent. 

 

 

OnStar Diagnostics:

OnStar provides regular Diagnostics on a monthly and now on a remote immediate basis (with the OnStar App). You have an accurate reading of all of the technical information you need to take simple pre-cautions to reduce the fuel consumption of your car.