Green Vehicle Guide
Y.M.M.V.
(Your Mileage May Vary)
Actually, Y.M.W.V. (Your mileage WILL vary.)
The mileage you get depends on a lot of different factors. Some factors you can control, and others you cannot. If your vehicle provides instantaneous fuel economy information, take advantage and learn from it!
Factors that Affect Fuel Economy
Scroll over each factor below to see how it affects MPG.
Ways to increase your MPG
- Slow down. Speeding uses more fuel.
- Accelerate & brake gently. Try to avoid sudden stops and starts.
- Avoid idling.
- Reduce cargo. Don’t leave unnecessary items in your trunk.
- Reduce use of A/C and other car accessories.
- Use cruise control. Some cars may also offer a special “eco” driving mode to reduce fuel consumption.
- Keep your vehicle well maintained.
- Keep tires properly inflated.
- Buy low rolling resistance tires.
- Combine several short trips into one longer trip.
Fun Fact
If you drive a hybrid, your fuel economy may be better in the city than on the highway.
Learn more
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Hybrid vehicles may be more efficient with in-town driving because they can recapture and use some of the energy from braking. They also reduce idling. See http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/ hybridtech.shtml
These actions will decrease your MPG
- Speeding
- Quick acceleration and braking hard
- Using a remote starter with long idle periods
- Extra weight (storing unnecessary items in your vehicle)
- Using a roof rack
- High A/C and car accessory use
- Not maintaining your car
Some factors beyond your control may also lower your MPG
- Driving in hilly or mountainous regions
- Stop and go driving through congested traffic (unless you own a hybrid)
- Cold outside temperatures
- Hot outside temperatures if you use your A/C
- Driving on bumpy or poor roads
Factors in bold have the biggest effect on MPG.