How to Maximize Fuel Efficiency During Business Trips

With the cost of fuel at record and ever increasing levels, fuel efficiency has taken on an urgent level of importance. Business trips represent a significant source of fuel consumption for many professionals. The amount of fuel consumed can vary markedly depending on several factors. With advanced planning and sound driving habits, substantial savings of fuel and money can be accomplished.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Advanced planning to avoid traffic stops and congestion
• Sufficient time to drive in an economical manner
• Computer with Internet capability

1. Before the trip, ensure that you have complete, updated directions using the most direct driving route.

2. Consult Internet resources such as websites for your state’s Department of Transportation and/or State Highway Patrol in order to learn of, and plan around, areas of major highway construction. For unavoidable construction zones, plan the trip so as to avoid specific hours of construction.

3. Plan the trip so as to avoid metropolitan area rush hours when stop-and-go traffic will affect fuel efficiency.

4. During the drive itself, travel at or below the posted speed limit. Leave with sufficient time to allow travel at or below 60 miles per hour.

5. Use cruise control and the pulse and glide technique to achieve further fuel efficiency.

Tips & Warnings

• Traveling alone? If so, consider renting a compact or economy model car so as to maximize fuel efficiency. Depending on the length of the trip, mileage reimbursements could well cover the total cost of the car rental and fuel consumed, all while avoiding wear and tear to your car.
• Consider night trips when traffic is lighter and the chances of accidents and congestion lessen.
• Avoid last minute departures as these inevitably leave to constant speeding, jack rabbit starts, and other driving habits that zap fuel efficiency.
• Be confident in your directions. Uncertainty leads to missed turns and other mistakes that, in turn, cause unnecessary fuel consumption.
• When using Internet direction sources such as Mapquest or Rand McNally, obtain the driving route that is estimated to be the shortest in terms of time, as opposed to the shortest distance. Geographically shortest routes frequently make use of secondary roads and business routes where slower traffic is common.
• When traveling at night, ensure that you are adequately rested to avoid falling asleep at the wheel.