DelDOT ECO-DRIVING CAMPAIGN

Simple Fuel Efficiency Tips Can Equal Substantial Fuel Savings
Dover -- The Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) and the I-95 Corridor Coalition are partnering with a number of state transportation agencies along the eastern seaboard to assist drivers in alleviating the drain on the wallet caused by higher fuel prices. Together, the agencies are launching a public awareness Eco-Driving campaign to help long-distance drivers spend less on fuel and to reduce their carbon emissions at the same time.

With gas prices nearing record highs, drivers are likely to be in sticker shock at the pumps as they fuel up for summer holiday travel. Easy changes, before hitting the road and on the road, can result in fuel - and, in turn, cash - savings. Removing unnecessary items in the trunk, inflating the tires, and using cruise control are just a few of the changes recommended in the Eco-Driving Campaign.

The program offers drivers easy actions they can take to reduce their fuel cost by up to $80 for a 700 mile round-trip journey.

1. Keep it close to 60 mph on the highway: Every five miles over the 60 mph level is equivalent to paying 20 extra cents per gallon for gas. Not exceeding 60 mph (where legally allowed) can improve mileage by 7-23 percent.

2. Avoid idling: Turning the engine off and on again is no longer hard on your starter, and you no longer need to warm up your engine. An automobile may burn more than half a gallon of fuel for every hour spent idling.

3. Use your AC only at higher speeds: Air conditioning can reduce mileage significantly, by as much as 20 percent

4. Use cruise control: Using cruise control on 10,000 miles driven in a year could save you nearly $200 and save more than 60 gallons of fuel.

5. Keep on rolling in traffic: Slow-and-go is always better than stop-and-go. It can take 20 percent more fuel to accelerate from a full stop than from five miles per hour. Try to anticipate stops and coast as much as possible.

6. Combine trips: Plan ahead so you can get all your errands taken care of in one trip. Go to the furthest destination first, then work your way back.


7. Get the junk out of your trunk: Remove unnecessary items from your vehicle, an extra 100 pounds in your vehicle can reduce your miles per gallon by up to two percent.

8. Keep tires properly inflated: Keeping your tires properly inflated translates into a free tank of gas a year and reduces CO2 emissions too. You can also consider purchasing fuel-efficient tires.

9. Change your oil: you can improve your fuel economy by one-to-two percent by using the manufacturer's recommended grade of motor oil.

10. Replace your air filter: According to the U.S. Department of Energy, replacing a clogged air filter can increase your mileage by ten percent.

11. Tighten your fuel cap: As much as 30 gallons of gasoline could be lost annually to evaporation when the fuel cap is not fully tightened.

12. Reduce aerodynamic drag: remove luggage racks, roof-top carriers, and ski racks when they are not needed.

13. Public Transportation: Taking the bus or vanpooling can save you money on gas, and puts fewer vehicles on the road, which reduces harmful emissions and pollutants entering our air, and increases the longevity of our road system.