Fuel Economy Strategies for Light-Duty Vehicles

According to the Fuel Economy Guide, drivers can save $300 to $500 in fuel costs per year by choosing the most efficient vehicle to meet their needs. Vehicle driving habits and proper maintenance can also help improve fuel economy.

Hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) are currently the most fuel-efficient vehicles on the market. They get more miles to the gallon and require no infrastructure changes because they are fueled with gasoline. Light-duty diesel vehicles are also a good option. They are fuel efficient and emit fewer emissions than ever before. In the near future, diesel hybrids may be a popular choice for consumers.

In addition to choosing fuel-efficient vehicles, there are other strategies drivers and fleets can employ to improve fuel economy. This page outlines these options.

Low Rolling Resistance Tires

Install low rolling resistance tires to improve the fuel economy of light-duty vehicles. Learn more about Low Rolling Resistance Tires.

Fuel-Tracking Devices

Tracking your fleet's fuel consumption is the first step to controlling fuel economy. Several companies manufacture automated vehicle data collection devices that track fuel economy, maintenance schedules, and fleet performance through equipment installed in vehicles.

Fleet Fuel Card Program

Web-based monitoring tools can control, track, and manage fuel and vehicle maintenance costs based on fleet card transactions. For an example, see the Global Fleet Web site.

Cleaner Car Technologies

Advanced fuel-efficient component technologies are making their way into the mainstream automotive market. The Clean Car Campaign Web site describes a few of these innovations, which include continuously variable transmissions, cylinder deactivation, and variable valve timing.

Synthetic Oil

Several companies offer a line of synthetic oils that are designed to improve fuel economy in light-duty vehicles.