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Follow these easy-to-use Fuel Efficient 1. Use Smooth Accelerator and Brake • Avoid rapid starts and stops. brake application whenever possible. • Maintain constant speed while com- muting and coast whenever possible. 2. Maintain Constant Speed • Look ahead to try and anticipate and minimize stops. • Synchronizing your speed with traffic lights allows you to reduce your num- • Maintaining a steady speed can mini- mize red light stops and improve fuel 3. Use Air Conditioning (A/C) at Higher • Below 40 mph (64 km/h), it is more efficient to open windows to cool the • Above 40 mph (64 km/h), it is more efficient to use A/C to cool the vehicle • Recirculating the cool air in the cabin when the A/C is on reduces cooling 4. Drive at Economical Speeds and Distances • Observing the speed limit and not ex- ceeding 60 mph (97 km/h) (where le- • Maintaining a safe following distance behind other vehicles reduces unnec- • Safely monitoring traffic to anticipate changes in speed permits reduced and smooth acceleration changes. • Select a gear range suitable to road conditions. 5. Use Cruise Control • Using cruise control during highway driving helps maintain a steady speed. • Cruise control is particularly effective in providing fuel savings when driving 6. Plan for the Shortest Route • Utilize a map or navigation system to determine the best route to save time. 7. Avoid Idling • Shutting off your engine when safe for stops exceeding 30–60 seconds saves 8. Buy an Automated Pass for Toll Roads • Automated passes permit drivers to use special lanes to maintain cruising 9. Winter Warm Up • Limit idling time to minimize impact to fuel economy. • Vehicles typically need no more than 30 seconds of idling at start-up to ef- • Your vehicle will reach its ideal operat- ing temperature more quickly while 10. Keeping your Vehicle Cool • Park your vehicle in a covered parking area or in the shade whenever possible. • When entering a hot vehicle, opening the windows will help to reduce the FUEL EFFICIENT DRIVING TIPS 5-170 Starting and driving |