Energy Conservation
CUTTING COSTS AT THE GAS PUMP
Drive Economically
Driving at 55mph can drop your fuel consumption by up to 21%.
Drive consistently, slowing down and speeding up effects fuel economy.
Practice Car Care Keep your tires at the correct air pressure to reduce drag.
Maintain your engine in good repair, this ensures fuel economy.
Don't idle your car for more than 1 or 2 minutes, turn the engine off to save fuel.Choose an energy efficient car for most uses, save that SUV for special occasions.
Avoid extra weight on your vehicle, unload items that can add extra weight, keep your vehicle ice and snow free.
Be Road Wise Drive on smooth roads. Gravel, dirt and other unpaved roads can reduce your gas mileage by up to 30%.Take alternate routes that are shorter, safer and straighter. High speeds, corners and lane changes use extra fuel.
Speed up before reaching a hill, not when you are on it. Become Fuel Savvy Fuel your car in the morning when gasoline is densest. Gas pumps measure volume not density.Make sure you have a tight fitting gas cap.
Don't overfill your tank. Spilled fuel is wasted fuel.
Use the lowest octane that your car will operate on. Many cars will run fine on regular gasoline.
Other Ideas to
save gas
Car pool whenever possible.
Plan your trips. Don't make unnessary trips. Combine your visits when you go out.
Don't use your vehicle for trips under one or two miles. Walk, or ride a bike.
Other websites for more advice:
http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/drive.shtml
http://www.phoenixgate.com/gastips.html
http://www.howtoadvice.com/savinggas
http://www.sierraclub.org/globalwarming/gas_savers/
For more information about conserving energy or resource recovery, contact the Van Buren Resource Recovery office at 269-657-7745 or e-mail Beth.For further information, questions or comments, e-mail:
Beth Clawson, Natural Resources/Resource Recovery Extension
Educator
