Eco-driving tips

September 8, 2011 at 9:51PM

Paul Scott is an electric-vehicle advocate with Plug In America, a Leaf salesman and a self-described serious eco-driver. Here are some of his tips for getting the most out of the gas or electricity in your car.

If a car has eco-mode, use it. It forces drivers to accelerate more smoothly and saves energy.

Drive gently, never accelerate hard from a stop.

Anticipate stops. If you see a red light, stop sign or heavy traffic ahead, let off the accelerator and coast.

Keep your top speed at about 60 mph.

Make sure your engine is properly tuned.

Inflate your tires to their recommended maximum pressure.

Don't haul stuff that you don't need. Take the golf clubs out of the trunk when you get home from playing.

Don't tailgate on the freeway. Allow five or six car lengths so that if the car in front brakes, you can coast and allow the gap to close somewhat. Generally the car in front will accelerate again before you need to brake.

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