Hands up, who likes forking out cash to fill up at the fuel station? What if you could do that less often? Where would you turn for help?

Try looking at the mirror, because poor driving habits are just like pouring money down the drain. As consumers buy fuel efficient vehicles in record numbers to save money and benefit the environment, few know that good driving habits are really the best way to economize.

Ford studies have investigated the influence of driving style on fuel consumption and CO2 per kilometer driven and found that by adopting an eco-driving style, drivers can slash both their fuel bill and their emissions by as much as 25 percent compared with ‘normal-average’ driving behavior. Small changes to the way you drive can have a big impact on fuel economy.

“People go to extraordinary lengths to save money but then they jump in their cars and waste fuel,” said Adam Smith, Vehicle Energy Management Engineering Manager and one of Ford’s top fuel efficiency experts in Asia Pacific. “Eco-driving not only saves you fuel and money, it also benefits the environment and can make our roads safer for everyone.”

Here are some simple tips that can help you be a greener, more fuel efficient driver.


#1. Drive smoothly

Aggressive driving such as rapid acceleration, speeding and braking can lower your fuel mileage significantly. So accelerate smoothly, brake softer and earlier, and stay in one lane while it’s safe to do so. Not only do these driving techniques save fuel, they can prolong the life of your brakes and tires.


#2. Slow down

Speeding wastes lots of fuel. By driving 90 km/h instead of 100 km/h you can improve your fuel efficiency by up to 10-15 percent. Also, aim for a constant speed. Pumping the accelerator sends more fuel into the engine, emptying the tank faster. Using cruise control whenever possible on the highway helps maintain speed and conserve fuel.

#3. No idling

Today’s engines don’t need a warm up. Start the car immediately and gently drive away. Don’t leave your car idling. Prolonged idling increases emissions and wastes fuel. Turn the engine off whenever it is safe to do so, such as when stationary for more than 30 seconds. This avoids unnecessary energy consumption of an idle running engine.


#4. Remove unnecessary cargo

Reducing the amount of cargo you keep in your trunk or back seat can improve your fuel efficiency as less energy is needed for acceleration. Try to travel as light as possible, keep only the most important items (like an emergency kit, jumper cables, a small toolset, and a small jack) in the vehicle.


#5. Reduce aerodynamic drag

Your vehicle is designed for good aerodynamics, but attaching a huge carrier or bike to the roof adds more wind resistance. If you spend lots of time on the highway or are planning a long trip, try to transport extra items inside the vehicle or attached to the rear. Keeping your windows and sunroof closed can lower wind resistance too. You will have less drag, and better fuel economy.


#6. Use cruise control

Activating your cruise control keeps you from mindlessly driving faster and with lower fuel efficiency, maintains a constant speed, and won’t use additional fuel while accelerating. Try to set your cruise control at your vehicle’s most fuel-efficient speed, as long as it’s at or below the legal limit.


#7. Combine trips

Many short trips will use more fuel than a single, longer trip. So when you have to drive for errands, get as many accomplished as you can in one trip to maximize your fuel economy.


#8. Keep your car in tip-top shape

How you take care of your vehicle can also have a big effect on how much fuel you use. By maintaining your car in peak condition you can keep more money in your wallet.

• Keep your engine tuned. Fixing a vehicle that is noticeably out of tune or has failed an emissions test can improve fuel economy by an average of four percent. But here’s the real bonus: Replacing a malfunctioning oxygen sensor can improve your mileage by as much as 40 percent.
• Keep your tires properly inflated. Properly inflated tires are safer, handle better, last longer, and get better fuel economy. The operating vehicle tire inflation pressure can be found on a certification label, usually located on the driver’s door, a door pillar or the glove box. Just be careful not to exceed the operating tire pressure either, because overinflating tires reduces their performance in terms of traction and lifespan.
• Use the recommended grade of motor oil. Following the manufacturer’s recommended grade of motor oil in your Owner’s Guide will keep your engine’s lubrication system working as efficiently as possible. Using the wrong grade of oil can drop your fuel economy by up to two percent.

Remember, all the little things can add up.

The technicians at your local Ford dealership are trained to optimize your fuel economy. Along with the above-mentioned maintenance, they can change worn fuel filters and spark plugs, perform wheel alignments, and inspect your exhaust and emissions systems. Together, all of these vehicle maintenance procedures and driving behaviors can improve your mileage by up to 25 percent.