Gas Saving Tips
While gas prices seem to have spiked recently, the issues leading to this increase have been decades in the making. Our nation's refining capacity has been stagnant for thirty years, we have limited our options to increase domestic supply, and we depend more and more on foreign sources of oil that are becoming increasingly scarce because of rising demand in other countries like China and India. There are a number of things that American families can do to improve their fuel efficiency and help them save money. Taken together, these efficiencies can equal up to a dollar of savings per gallon. Some of these steps include:
Slow down: Each 5 mph you drive over 60 mph is like paying an additional $0.15 per gallon for gas. Aggressive driving (speeding, rapid acceleration and braking) wastes gas; equivalent Gasoline Savings: $.12-$.82/gallon
Keep your car maintained and running smoothly: Tune ups, clean air filters, and make sure tires are properly inflated, proper grade of oil
Use your engine wisely: Avoid excessive idlingand use cruise control and overdrive gears
Be smart about driving: Plan errands together rather than separate trips. Use carpool mass transit systems where available, telecommute
Keep your car light