1. Make sure your tires are properly inflated.
2.2Drive slower when possible. There was a reason for the 55 speed limit the last time around.
3. Be familiar with the traffic flow/signals around your town and area. Slow down when you see a red light and coast up to it. Some roads have lights timed for the speed limit. A car uses 20% more gas from a stop than while accelerating from 5 mph so coast and then roll when the light turns green.
4. Reduce weight. Don't haul around dead weight such as sand bags from the winter or other materials. If you don't need a full tank of gas (e.g. around town) keep your tank only 1/2 full; less weight = less gas used.
5. Accelerate moderately but get to higher gears quickly: they let the engine turn more slowly.
6. Frequent stops at rail crossings? If you have an idea of the train traffic in your area and know they usually last about 3-4 minutes (as they do here) turn your engine off. My hybrid always shuts down when stopped.
7. Waiting for someone? If the weather allows open your windows and turn off the engine. I've seen so many people waiting with the windows down but the engine RUNNING. Regardless of published hwy/city mileage, everyones car gets ZERO mileage while idling.
8. Plan your trips: go the furthest destination first to warm up the car. Then work your way back home,
9. Car pool; ride a bike; walk.
Combine all errands to one trip. Accelerate smoothly, keep constant pace to avoid unnecessary braking, use A/C only when necessary (thank goodness it's not hot in the Pacific Northwest). Keep up car maintenance ... clean air filter, properly tuned up, tires properly inflated, remove excess weight (junk in the trunk, ski racks), etc.Extremes won't help much ... drafting cars, shifting to neutral going down hills, etc. Careful planning of driving route helps to eliminate wasted fuel as well.
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