8 Easy Steps to Greener Driving

Because most of us don't have super-awesome electric vehicles yet, it is important that we all learn to get the best mileage possible with our current cars, trucks, and vans. There are many aspects of American driving that are just plain bad for your mileage. Fixing them, luckily, is pretty easy. You just have to be aware of some simple rules.

Fuel Efficiency Center lists 8 simple steps to improve your mileage:

1. Accelerate Smoothly -- Don't mash the gas
2. Brake Easy -- Don't start and stop abruptly
3. Observe Traffic Ahead -- Don't rush to stop signs or traffic lights
4. Coast Whenever You Can -- Not always on gas pedal
5. Maintain Constant Speed -- Don't tailgate and jockey for position
6. Cruise Control On Flat Surfaces -- Don't use cruise control on hills though
7. Avoid Idling and Long Lines -- Don't wait with car running for a long time
8. Control Highway Speeds -- Don't drive 10/15/20 MPH over speed limit

Changing some of these is just a matter of habit, like avoiding idling and controlling highway speeds. Others are things you were probably taught incorrectly, like coasting instead of keeping your foot evenly on the gas. [Tip: Think about driving your car as you would your bike.]

A few of these changes, however, require you to be self-assured and forceful. You will initially feel a lot of "peer pressure" to jack rabbit start from every red light. Likewise, you'll drive some really high-strung people insane by not accelerating up to red lights and stop signs. However, be strong in your knowledge that accelerating to a stop makes no logical sense and is bad for your wallet -- as well as the planet. With practice, the peer pressure you feel subsides.

And remember: the brake pedal is your worst enemy. Avoid if at all possible. Braking wastes the fuel you just injected with the gas pedal. Practice timing stops better, and you'll be surprised how little you really need to brake.