Start Your Engines!

It’s that time of year. Time to start planning your summer vacation. Many of us will be driving to our summer getaway. So let’s conserve gas, save money and the planet! By driving more efficiently and following these do’s and don’ts recommended by the U.S Department of Energy we could save valuable gas.

-Do remove unnecessary items from your car. Excess weight can reduce gas mileage by 2 percent for every 100 pounds added.

-Don’t take a lead foot to the gas pedal. Violent driving can lower gas mileage by 33 percent at highway speeds and by 5 percent around town.

-Do use cruise control. Maintaining a constant speed saves on gas mileage an estimated 14 percent.

-Don’t idle. Typically, cars with larger engines waste more gas idling than cars with smaller engines.

-Do use overdrive gearing. This can save on gas and reduce engine wear

-Don’t neglect clogged air filters. Replacing these keeps impurities from causing harm to the inside of your engine and can improve gas mileage by as much as 10 percent.

-Do use the manufacturer’s recommended grade of motor oil for your car. This can improve gas mileage by 1 to 2 percent.

-Don’t neglect the tires. Keeping tires inflated at the correct pressure can improve gas mileage by around 3.3 percent.