The Alliance of Automotive Manufacturers announced a new initiative today called eco-driving, a new nationwide effort to get Americans to save gas and reduce CO2 emissions.

The new programme, is designed to teach drivers safe and effective ways of driving that will boost their fuel mileage by about 15 per cent and significantly reduce their CO2 emissions.

Eco-driving experts say driving at a slower and constant speed shows a 10-15 per cent improvement in fuel economy. Pumping the accelerator sends more fuel into the engine and using cruise control on the highway helps maintain speeds and conserve fuel.

Accelerating smoothly from a stop and braking softly conserves fuel. Fast starts, weaving in and out of traffic and hard braking wastes fuel and wears out some of the car components, such as brakes and tires, more quickly. Maintaining safe distance between vehicles and anticipate traffic conditions will allow more time to brake and accelerate gradually.

Thanks to advanced technology, today's engines don't need a warm up. According to eco-driving instructors, one should start the car immediately and gently drive away. Prolonged idling increases emissions and wastes fuel. Another tip is to turn the engine off in non-traffic situations, such as at bank and fast food drive-up windows, when idling more than 30 seconds.

Under-inflated tires increaserolling resistance and reduce fuel economy plus they also wear more rapidly. Car tyres should be properly inflated with proper tyre pressure. This alone can reduce the average amount of fuel use by 3 - 4 per cent..

Engine tune-ups, wheel alignment, replacing air filters and using fuel with good detergent additives keeps the vehicle engine clean and performing efficiently. Consulting owner's manual is recomended for proper maintenance.

Auto experts say that excess weight in vehicles reduces aerodynamics, which hurt fuel economy, reducing it by as much as 5 per cent. Travelling light always helps in better fuel economy. Engine load can also be reduced by selective use of air conditioning and heating.Decreasing usage of the air conditioner when temperatures are above 80 degrees can save 10-15 per cent of fuel. Another method of reducing air conditioning use is to park vehicles in the shade to keeps them cool.

Interestingly, it has been studied that driving with the windows open at highways speeds increases aerodynamic drag on the vehicle and lowers fuel economy. Drivers are advised not to drive with the windows open unless the speed limit is under 50 mph.

Use of  good quality, energy-conserving EC oils with the viscosity grade as recommended in the owner's manual, helps keep the vehicle engine tuned. Planning ahead to consolidate trips enables to bypass congested routes, lead to less idling, fewer start-ups and less stop-and-go traffic. Whenever feasible, share a ride and/or carpool.

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