Abstract :
While we wait for engineers to develop fuel efficient engines there are steps that drivers can take to save fuel: 1) Limit heavy braking. Take your foot off the accelerator early and slow to a stop or brake early in a smooth, light fashion. Anticipate stops and avoid abrupt braking to decrease fuel consumption and increase the life of your brakes and tyres.; 2) Limit heavy acceleration. Don´t accelerate harshly, as this uses a lot of fuel at once. Move off gently and smoothly to your target speed and maintain it for maximum miles per gallon.; 3) Close the windows. By driving with the windows or sunroof open, you´re ruining the vehicle´s aerodynamics, meaning the engine has to work harder to push the car through the air.; 4) Change gear early. Changing gear between 2,000 and 3,000rpm burns less fuel. Keep between these rev levels for best performance - go higher and the engine will work harder - lower and it will struggle. Both use more fuel than necessary.; and 5) Avoid built up areas with junctions and speed bumps. It takes more power and more fuel to get a car moving than it does to maintain a speed, so regular slowing down and speeding up isn´t an efficient way of driving.