Gas Saving Tips

by The “Green” Franciscan Sister, Janet Corcoran, OSF

Maintain your car and keep it tuned up. Poorly running vehicles use more gas. Use the air conditioner sparingly because it lowers your gas mileage by up to 20 percent. On local roads, keep cool by opening the windows, but at speeds 40 miles per hour or faster, roll them up to prevent extra wind resistance, which also uses more gas. Check the air pressure of your tires regularly. Over and under inflated tires can dramatically reduce your fuel efficiency, so always maintain the proper air pressure, according to the guidelines listed on your car manual. In addition, maintain the alignment of the tires. Carpool or vanpool with others to share the cost of commuting if you can. Another suggestion, if you are able, is to bike, walk, or take the bus. Lower your speed. Gas usage increases about 10 percent between 55 and 65 miles per hour (MPH), and 17 percent between 55 and 70 MPH. Using the cruise control on the highway helps you maintain a constant speed and in most cases will save gas. However, speeding, rapid acceleration, and rapid braking can decrease your mileage potential. Avoid having heavy items in your cargo or storage areas. An extra 100 pounds in your vehicle could reduce your MPH by up to 2%.