Small changes for big savings
By Bobbi Mlynar
Originally published 09:28 a.m., December 15, 2007
Updated 09:28 a.m., December 15, 2007
Editor’s note: This information should have accompanied a story in Friday’s Gazette about saving money at the gas pump.
The U.S. Department of Energy, the Federal Trade Commission, and fueleconomy.gov offer a number of ways to cut the costs and consumption of fuel.
Below are some samplings of ideas that will save money, reduce emissions, and conserve gasoline. Percentages of potential savings have been provided when available:
Action Savings
Avoid unnecessary idling N/A
Limit winter warm-up time to 30 seconds N/A
Avoid speeding, jackrabbit starts, hard braking* 5 city; 33 hwy
Use overdrive gear and cruise control
when appropriate N/A
Use air conditioning only when needed N/A
Clear car trunk of unnecessary weight 2
Place items inside car/truck instead of on roof racks 5
Keep tires properly inflated and aligned 3
Use recommended grade motor oil 1-2
Maintain and tune-up vehicle 4
Replace dirty air filters 10
Combine errands into one trip N/A
Use recommended octane level; higher octane than recommended offers no benefit
* The fueleconomy.gov Web site shows how driving speed affects gas mileage.