We have several cars in our family. We found that leaving the air conditioner on actualy saved a little in the gas miliage. With the air conditioning on and having the windows were rolled up, there was less air resistance. There is also the point that it is best to be comfortable when driving.
The big thing that saves fuel cost is to use moderate or light acceleration. When driving in the city, try to time the speed and distance between the traffic lights to allow less stopping when possible. There are many streets in large cities where the traffic lights are timed. Driving the posted speed limit gives the best results. Most of the fuel is used when accelerating.
Just remember that when using the breaks, you are using up energy that was used to accelerate the vehicle. Driving with gentle acceleration and gentle breaking will give the best possible savings. Also, when going easy on the breaks, there is less wear of the breaking system, and thus there will be added savings.
I found that it is best to have the correct tyre pressure. Handling and roll resistance is improved. This is also for safety reasons.
Using good common sense driving habits can save as much as 30% compared to the average. Hard driving also increases the maintenance costs as well. I was very surprised to see this amount of savings as a reality. I expected less.
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