This is the first of a new column on the Capital Tailgate called “Leafy Lundi” geared towards the greener side of vehicles and auto manufacturing. Ford is the green leader among manufacturers, always works towards sustainability and improving manufacturing processes. As a Ford Dealer, Capital Ford is proud to bring to light some of the highlights along with our own tips and internal processes for a greener business and improved corporate responsibility. The Leafy-Lundi column name is derived from the spin on Monday. We’re publishing green highlights every Monday and as you may already know, Lundi is french for Monday. As corny as it is, we thought it had a better ring then Green-Monday. Let us know in the comments if you agree.

Let’s start Leafy-Lundi with some solid fundamental fuel efficiency best practices.

Keep Your Tires Properly Inflated

Every 1 PSI drop in tire pressure cuts your gas mileage by 0.4%. Properly inflated tires are safer and last longer.

Your potential savings: $64/year (17 gallons or 64.35 Liters per year)

Use The Recommended Motor Oil

You can improve your gas mileage by 1-2% by using the manufacturer’s recommended grade of motor oil. Also, look for motor oil that says “Energy Conserving” on the API performance symbol to be sure it contains friction-reducing additives.

Your potential savings: $41/year (11 gallons or 41.63 Liters per year)

Clean Out Your Trunk

Heavy loads cut into your mileage. Every 100 pounds of unneeded cargo reduces your mileage by 1-2%.

Your potential savings: $41/year (11 gallons or 41.63 Liters per year)

Remove Your Roof Rack

Roof racks are can be a great convenience, but they also create drag that reduces your fuel efficiency by 5%. Remove the rack if you won’t be using it.

Your potential savings: $109/year (29 gallons or 109.77 Liters per year)

Keep Your Engine Tuned

Tuning an engine on average improves mileage by 4%, although fixing severe problems, such as a faulty oxygen sensor can improve mileage by as much as 40%.

Your potential savings: $87/year (23 gallons or 87.06 Liters per year)

Service Your Car Regularly

Dirty air filters, old spark plugs, and low fluid levels can reduce your mileage. (Varies)

YOUR POTENTIAL SAVINGS TOTAL: $342/year (91 gallons or 344.47 Liters per year)

Some Extra Tips:

• Don’t mash your pedals – Aggressive acceleration and braking can cut your fuel efficiency by up to 33% on highways. Anticipate changes to traffic for smoother starts and stops.
• Roll up your windows – Open windows increase drag, cutting your mileage up to 10% on highways.
• Go easy on the air conditioning – Blasting the A/C can cut your mileage by 20%. Use it only when you need it.
• Control your speed – Most vehicles get maximum fuel efficiency around 60 miles per hour. At higher speeds, air drag increases exponentially. Use cruise control to maintain a steady speed.
• Use higher gears – Higher gears allow your engine to run at lower speeds, saving engine wear and gas.
• Avoid excessive idling – When you idle, you’re getting 0 miles the gallon. Don’t leave your engine running if you plan to be stationary for more than a minute.
• Avoid rush hour commutes – If you can stagger your commutes, you can avoid the stop-and-go traffic that burns so much gas.
• Share rides, bike to work, or take public transportation – The best way to save gas is not to drive at all.

Have any tips that have worked for you and your family? Let us know!