Fuel Economy

Obviously not all of us have several thousand dollars or more just sitting around in our pockets, and due to such a small number of companies providing renewable fuels and alternative vehicles, prices are still high. But if we start simply with conservation, the savings add up, eventually making the change to earth friendly alternative transportation more accessible for the average person. In the meantime, here are some tips for saving fuel and getting better gas mileage:

Drive less to save gas. Walking, biking, public transportation and carpooling are all excellent ways to reduce fuel consumption.

Remember, it's not a race! You may save a few minutes by going faster, but it will cost more in the end. The faster you drive the more fuel you use. Just ten miles over the speed limit takes up to 17% more fuel!

Forego air conditioning to reduce fuel and energy consumption by at least 10-15%.

Clean air filters and catalytic converters regularly to save money on gas and reduce fuel consumption by at least 10%.

Using the recommended grade of synthetic or standard oil treated with friction reducing additives can increase gas mileage by as much as 12%.

Gas mileage is reduced by about 4% for every 5lbs your tires are under-inflated, so check your tires often to be sure they are not under (or over) inflated.

Cruise control helps save fuel by maintaining a constant speed, so if your vehicle is equipped with cruise control, use it whenever you can, especially at highway speeds.

The more weight your car has to carry the more fuel you will use, so reduce any unnecessary weight to help increase gas mileage.