Fuel efficiency is a hot topic as gas prices continue to set new records. But with a few small tweaks you can save hundreds of dollars at the gas pump each year, improve road safety, and prevent wear and tear on your vehicle. 

The easiest and most effective way to improve the fuel efficiency of any vehicle is to modify your driving habits, but it’s not as hard as you may think. Adopt these five fuel-efficient driving techniques and you’ll see your gas bill start to drop:

1. Accelerate Gently

The harder and faster you accelerate, the more fuel you use. Avoid rapid acceleration and hard brakes.

2. Use Cruise Control

When your speed fluctuates, you use more fuel and spend more money. To avoid this, use cruise control on highways where conditions permit. 

3. Avoid High Speeds

Stick to the speed limit and save on fuel. While every vehicle is different, the fuel economy of most cars, vans, pickup trucks, and SUVs typically peaks between 30 and 50 miles per hour. Above this speed, vehicles use increasingly more fuel the faster they go. 

4. Coast to Decelerate 

Each time you use your brakes, you waste your forward momentum. You will conserve fuel and money by taking your foot off the accelerator and coasting to slow down instead of using your brakes. 

5. Anticipate Traffic

Monitor the traffic ahead and time your approach to stoplights to maintain momentum and avoid unnecessary acceleration or braking. Observing what other cars and pedestrians are doing and preparing for what they will do next, can help keep your speed as steady as possible and use less fuel. 

Lay off the Pedal and Save at the Pump

Saving money on gas is like getting into shape. It takes some discipline and there are no quick fixes to get the results you want.