What are the factors that affect fuel economy?

1) Unless you are driving a hybrid vehicle, the constant braking in stop and go traffic and quick acceleration can reduce your gas mileage by as much as 5 percent in the city. If you do this on the highway, this can be as much as 33 percent.

2) Keeping your vehicle idling for long periods of time will reduce fuel economy

3) Driving your vehicle at speeds in excess of 80 mph for long periods reduces fuel economy due to the drag created by wind resistance.

4) Starting your vehicle in cold weather requires more energy and reduces fuel economy. Also, driving short distances in cold weather lowers gas mileage because the engine does not get a chance to warm up. Idling your vehicle in cold weather to warm up your vehicle does not increase fuel mileage, it actually reduces it and creates more pollution.

5) Anything external that can create a drag on the vehicle such as things on the vehicle cargo racks can lower fuel economy.

6) Towing your boat or trailer adds excessive weight and lowers fuel economy.

7) Running the air conditioner, heater or other electrical accessories can lower the fuel economy. Operating the a/c on the maximum setting is the worse for fuel economy.

Driving on mountainous or hilly terrain, unpaved roads reduces fuel economy as the engine has to work harder

9) Using your vehicle in 4-wheel mode also reduces fuel economy.