On Earth Day Energy Alliance Provides Tips to Save Gas and Money at the Pump

With Earth Day approaching, and gas prices surging to more than $4 per gallon in many areas, one agency, the Alliance to Save Energy, is providing consumers with some tips to help save gas and, as a result, save money at the gas pump.

Show of finding cheap gas prices in your area, in order to save money over the rising price of gas, the agency suggests that drivers save gas through the use fuel efficiency tips and suggestions related to driving habits and vehicle maintenance. The fuel savings also translates to reduced emissions in the environment, which is a great thing this Earth Day.

“Consumers cannot control fluctuations in global oil and gasoline prices,” says Alliance President Kateri Callahan. “But they can minimize fuel use and maximize savings with proper maintenance and smart driving, as demonstrated in our short videos tips.”

Gas saving maintenance tips begins with one of the easiest and cheapest ways to use less gas. Properly inflate you tires. This simple step, according to the agency, can improve you car’s gas mileage up to 3%. This can save you as much as $60/year.

Another free and simple way to save gas is to reduce weight of you vehicle. Remove any unnecessary items from your trunk, inside the vehicle and anything on your roof rack. Many little items can add up quickly, and taking 100 pounds from your car improve gas mileage and save another 2%, or $40/year.

When you get your next oil change, make sure that you have them use the manufacturer’s recommended grade of motor oil to for another 1-2% improvement in fuel economy. Finally, if it has been a while, consider getting a tune up as this could save you another 4%, or $81/year.

Some tips to save gas based on how you drive include driving smart by avoiding aggressive driving. Use your cruise control. Surges in acceleration and rapid slow downs can lower gas mileage by 33% at highway speeds which will cost you $973/year. In the city, the same bad driving can add up to 5% and cost an additional $216/year. Plan you trips to avoid a big rush and frantic driving. It will save you money, make you safer and reduce your driving stress.

Don’t speed – each five mph over 60 adds up to 31 cents/gallon. Avoid idling, for long periods like waiting in line at the bank or waiting for someone at the store. Sitting with your car running can waste up to half a gallon of gas per hour.

Finally, here are a few other ways to save money, use less gas and help the environment this Earth Day:

• Commute during off-peak hours, if possible.
• Consider carpools, ride-shares and public transit.
• Find more tips and resources on ase.org and fueleconomy.gov.

SOURCE Alliance to Save Energy