Alliance to Save Energy Offers Consumers Money-Saving Gasoline Tips to Combat High Pump Prices

OPEC Production Cuts, Tight Oil Supplies, Higher Demand Boost Prices

The Alliance to Save Energy offers consumers tips to cut gasoline use and costs, as OPEC production cuts, an improving world economy swelling energy demand, and continuing frigid winter weather squeezing heating oil supplies keep oil and gasoline prices high:

• Show the love – to your vehicle. Keep your car properly tuned up, and change the air filter regularly, both to save gas and protect your engine.
• If you own more than one vehicle, drive the one that gets better gas mileage whenever possible. Do you really need that SUV for trips to the video store?
• Show your cool by curtailing aggressive driving. Speeding, rapid acceleration, and rapid braking all waste gas – and curb mileage by as much as 33 percent at highway speeds, according to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). Nix jack-rabbit starts, opting instead for slow acceleration from a dead stop.
• Slow down! Speeding wastes gas – and your money. Each mile per hour you drive over 60 mph is like paying an extra 10 cents per gallon, DOE says.
• Inflate tires to the proper setting – not only to increase fuel economy, but also to make tires safer and extend their life.
• When buying a new vehicle, think high gas mileage. Check out the Department of Energy website and the ACEEE website for information on fuel-efficient vehicles.
• Avoid “going nowhere fast.” Idling gets 0 mph. Cars with larger engines typically waste even more gas at idling than cars with smaller engines.
• Use the recommended grade of motor oil to maximize fuel economy. Look for the “Energy Conserving” label that ensures friction-reducing additives inside.
• Combine your errands into one trip and plan your routes carefully to drive fewer miles and use less fuel.
• If available, use your vehicle's overdrive gear when appropriate to reduce engine speed, save gas, and decrease engine wear.
• Cruising down the highway? Use cruise control to maintain a steady speed and help cut fuel consumption.
• Pack lightly when traveling, and avoid carrying items on your vehicle's roof.
• Carpool and use public transportation whenever possible.
• Get your exercise! Whenever possible, walk to your destination. You'll lose weight, save gas and the planet.