Maximizing fuel economy involves a combination of caring for your car and developing helpful habits. The following seven are just a few simple steps you can take to improve savings – as well as safety – on the road:

1. Get regular maintenance checks. Identifying and fixing maintenance issues – some of which can affect fuel economy – keeps your car safe and operating in peak condition.
2. Check tire pressure. Keeping your tires inflated to manufacturer specifications can improve gas mileage. Underinflated tires not only cost you more in fuel, they wear out prematurely and need to be replaced more often.
3. Travel light. The less weight you carry in your vehicle, the better your mileage. Also, hauling cargo on the roof of your vehicle creates wind resistance and can significantly lower fuel economy.
4. Air it out. When first starting your car in hot weather, help your vehicle cool faster by driving with the windows open for a short time before turning on the air conditioner. While AC is the most economical option at highway speeds, consider rolling down the windows at lower speeds to save on fuel.
5. Set the cruise. Using cruise control for highway driving helps save gas by maintaining a constant speed.
6. Observe the speed limit. Most cars are most fuel efficient at around 50 mph, so the faster you drive on the highway, the more gas you’ll burn.
7. Drive sensibly. Drivers who make a habit of rapid acceleration and hard braking waste a substantial amount of fuel, both on the highway and in city driving conditions.

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