Eco Driving | Fuel Economy and Benefits of driving a fuel-efficient car
Introduction
The rising cost of gasoline has made many people think twice before choosing their mode of transportation. One way to save money on gas is to drive a fuel-efficient car. Fuel-efficient cars use less gas, which means you spend less money on fuel.
1. Americans travel according to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)
According to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), Americans drove 3.15 trillion miles in 2022, a decrease of 2.4% from 2021. This is the first decline in vehicle miles traveled since 2017 due to Covid-19 circumstances.
The decline in vehicle miles traveled is due to a number of factors, including the COVID-19 pandemic, telecommuting, rising gasoline prices, and increased teleworking. The pandemic has led to a reduction in commuting and leisure travel while rising gas prices have made driving more expensive.
Despite the decline in vehicle miles traveled, Americans still drive more than any other country in the world. The next closest country is China, which traveled 2.9 trillion kilometers in 2022.
Here is a breakdown of vehicle miles traveled by Americans in 2022:
- Personal vehicles: 2.85 trillion miles
- Trucks: 200 billion miles
- Bus: 50 billion miles
- Motorcycles: 10 billion miles
The FHWA projects that vehicle miles traveled will continue to decline in the coming years but at a slower rate than in 2022. The agency projects vehicle miles traveled will reach 3.08 trillion miles in 2030.
2. Tips for Driving More Efficiently
Minimize your car's idling by turning off your engine when your vehicle is parked for more than 10 seconds.
Idling can consume between a quarter and a half gallon of fuel per hour, depending on engine size and air conditioner usage, adding up to three cents in wasted fuel per minute.
Driving carefully and avoiding aggressive driving can reduce your highway fuel consumption by 15 to 30% and your city consumption by 10 to 40%.
Avoid keeping heavy objects in your car; An extra 100 pounds in your vehicle could increase your gas costs by as much as $0.03 per gallon.
Avoid cold starting, as fuel consumption will be twice as high as a trip covering the same distance when the engine is hot.
Opt for telecommuting, carpooling, public transportation and active transportation like cycling or walking to save on fuel and car maintenance costs.
3. Car Maintenance Tips
- Using a good quality engine oil recommended by your car manufacturer can reduce your gas mileage by 1 to 2 percent.
- Tires must be inflated to the pressure indicated in your owner's manual.
- Regular maintenance checks
- Check Engine Light Monitoring for Alarms
References :
Federal Highway Administration
FuelEconomy.gov
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