The focus in the automotive industry, every year, comes back to fuel economy. Every year more makes and models enter the market boosting improved gas mileage and better performance. There are more hybrid vehicles for sale now than ever before. Check out this photo that one of our clients took from his C-Max Energi plug-in hybrid. 
What you are seeing is the fact that he got just over 1000 miles on just one tank of gas. Pretty impressive. But if you aren’t quite ready to take the jump to a hybrid, read on for some steps you can take now to improve fuel economy in your current vehicle.
Saving Gas on the Road:
1. Do you find yourself in the fast lane most of the time, breaking hard when coming to a stop light? Save your nerves, and your gas by calming down on the road. Aggressive driving is a big waste of gas. It can lower your gas mileage up to 33% on the highway. So do yourself, and your wallet, a favor and slow down. Not only is it cheaper, it is also much safer.
2. Remove all access weight from your vehicle. It can lower your gas mileage up to 2%
3. Excess idling can waste a lot of gas. Turn your car off if running in the store or ATM, or at any point your car is in park. Quickly starting your car does not take much fuel, however frequent starting of your car could put more wear on your starter.
4. Use cruise control on long trips. This keeps a more constant speed, and can improve fuel economy.
5. Plan your trips and errands carefully. Try to combine trips when possible. Not only will you save gas, but you may find you also save time.
Save Gas by Keeping Your Car in Shape:
1. Keep your engine tuned up. A tuned up engine will run more efficiently and effortlessly, resulting in using less gas.
2. Keep your tires properly inflated. It takes less effort for the engine to move your vehicle when the tires are at the correct pressure. An added bonus is your tires will also last longer.
3.Use the correct type and grade of motor oil. Your engine will run more efficiently when using the oil it was designed to use. You can improve gas mileage by 1-2%.
Follow these simple tips for things you should be doing anyway to improve your vehicle’s fuel efficiency. As gas noses up towards $4 a gallon one again, the next best way to spend less at the pump is to buy a more fuel efficient vehicle. As always, you can check out the Acton Ford website for our current lineup of fuel efficient vehicles.
For more information on improving fuel economy check out www.fueleconomy.gov.