Vehicle Maintenance for Fuel Efficiency

• Regular tune-ups improve engine efficiency
• Proper tire maintenance essential:
  • Keep tires properly filled
  • Maintain balance and rotation
• Rolling resistance tires increase efficiency by 1-2%

Weight Reduction Impact

• Every 100 lbs added to car weight reduces efficiency by 1-2%
• Remove unnecessary items from trunk
• Avoid carrying excess cargo

Driving Speed Optimization

• Ideal speed for fuel efficiency: 50 mph (expressway)
• Highway speed differences:
  • 65 mph vs 75 mph = 20% difference in fuel efficiency
  • Every 5 mph over 50 mph costs extra 26 cents per gallon
• Surface street aggressive driving reduces efficiency by 5-10%
• Maintain constant speed using cruise control

Acceleration and Braking Techniques

• Avoid rapid acceleration from green lights
• Gradual acceleration saves fuel and brake wear
• Quick stops waste fuel and wear brakes faster

Idling vs Engine Restart

• Engine restart more efficient than idling after 60 seconds
• Turn off engine if stopped longer than 1 minute
• Applies even when using AC while parked

Advanced Hypermiling Techniques

• Coasting methods for hills:
  • Steady, slow rate uphill
  • Coast downhill with foot hovering over brake
  • Maintain control at all times
• Modern fuel-injected cars turn off fuel injection during coasting
• Coasting wheels actually power the car (not same as idling)

Air Conditioning vs Windows

• Windows down more efficient up to 45 mph
• Above 45 mph: AC more efficient due to wind drag
• Use recycled AC setting for maximum efficiency
• Cool days on surface streets: roll windows down
• Highway speeds: use AC with recycle function