DMV Questions: Fuel Economy and Fuel-efficient Driving

Gas-powered vehicles will continue to be prevalent for many years to come. Here are some practical tips for driving in a more environmentally friendly manner.

In addition, many driver’s manuals have tips on fuel economy and fuel-efficient driving. Observing these tips may save you hundreds of dollars in fuel annually.

See if you can answer these DMV questions:

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Check your manual for tips on better fuel economy.

#1. You can improve fuel economy by:

Removing excess weight from your vehicle

A. Removing excess weight from your vehicle

Keeping your tires underinflated

B. Keeping your tires underinflated

Accelerate rapidly

C. Accelerate rapidly

You can maximize your fuel economy by avoiding hauling cargo on your roof and removing excess weight from your vehicle. Avoid rapid acceleration and sudden stops.

#2. What is true fuel-efficient driving?

It prevents wear on your vehicle

A. It prevents wear on your vehicle

It helps you save money

B. It helps you save money

Both A. and B. are correct

C. Both A. and B. are correct

Fuel-efficient driving can save you hundreds of dollars in fuel. It also prevents wear on your vehicle.

#3. Which is better for your fuel economy?

To maintain a steady speed

A. To maintain a steady speed

To accelerate rapidly

B. To accelerate rapidly

To driver slightly over the speed limit

C. To driver slightly over the speed limit

When your speed dips and bursts, you use more fuel. Observe the speed limit and avoid rapid acceleration or sudden stops.

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What is Fuel Economy and Fuel-efficient Driving?

Fuel-efficient driving means driving in a way that lowers your vehicle’s fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions.

It often adds to road safety and helps your engine to last longer.

Common Fuel-efficient Driving Techniques

1. Accelerate and slow down gently

The quicker you accelerate, the more fuel you use. We can often say the same thing about breaking hard.

With sudden stops, you lose your forward momentum and waste fuel. Look ahead and anticipate stops. Take your foot off the accelerator and coast to slow down instead of hitting the brakes.

2. Maintain a steady speed

You should avoid varying your speed too much. A steady pace helps your fuel economy. Consider using cruise control for Interstate driving.

3. Observe speed limits

Car makers often design their cars to be most fuel-efficient at moderate speeds. Generally, they use increasingly more fuel at higher speeds. By driving sensibly, you can save gas and, at the same time, improve safety.

Remember not to drive too slowly and impede traffic. That is just at hazardous as going over the speed limit.

4. Avoid idling your vehicle

Turn off your engine when you have stopped. Many modern cars automatically shut off the engine.

5. Remove excess weight from your vehicle

The heavier your car is, the more fuel it uses. You should avoid hauling cargo on your roof or in the trunk and remove excess weight from your vehicle. It is a good idea to unmount racks when not using them.

The fuel consumption of a mid-size car increases by about 1% for every 55 lbs. of extra weight.

6. Keep your tires properly inflated

Under-inflated tires also affect your gas consumption. It can also reduce the life of your tires.

Check tire pressure regularly and follow the correct tire pressure for your vehicle by looking at the tire information placard.

7. Plan and combine your trips

You can also save on gas by planning your trips and avoiding too many short trips. You use more fuel when your engine is cold than when it is warmed up, so avoiding several short trips from a cold start is a good idea. Try to replace them with multipurpose trips covering the same distance.

Photo Credit

Person holding gasoline nozzle by Skitterphoto

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