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  • Green Initiative - Left 240X60 
  • Save Money on Gas 
    Reported by: Nicole Kilmer/The Daily Green

    Friday, Mar 14, 2008 @03:58pm CDT

    Gasoline prices hit a record $3.25 average across the United States this week, and with oil prices continuing to climb, prices at the pump are likely to rise further still.

    Assuming you're not in the market for a new car (if you are, consider one of the 10 most fuel efficient vehicles of 2008) there are simple vehicle maintenance tips that can save American drivers significant cash at the pump - 20% or more, according to the Consumer Federation of America.

    The group estimated last fall that Americans were paying $1,000 more per year for gas than five years ago. Simple maintenance can save $300, the group says – as much as $ .50 per gallon. While not everyone can save that much, many can save 20%. And besides saving cash, of course, reducing gasoline consumption reduces pollution.

    Here are the Consumer Federation of America's 10 tips:

    1. Check Your Air Filter
      A clean air filter can improve gas mileage by as much as 10 percent, and nearly one in four cars needs an air filter replacement. Changing a dirty air filter can save the equivalent of 28 cents a gallon or carry you 23 more miles on a typical tank of gas.

    2. Straighten Out
      Poor alignment not only causes tires to wear out more quickly, but also forces your engine to work harder, which can reduce gas mileage by as much as 10 percent. Fixing improper alignment would be like saving 28 cents per gallon.

    3. Tune Up
      A properly tuned engine can improve mileage by 4 percent which is like saving 11 cents a gallon.

    4. Pump 'em Up
      More than one-quarter of vehicles have improperly inflated tires. The average underinflation of 7.5 pounds causes a loss of 2.8 percent in fuel efficiency. Properly inflating problem tires is like knocking 8 cents off a gallon of gas.

    5. Check Your Cap
      It is estimated that nearly 17 percent of cars on the road have broken or missing gas caps, which reduce gas mileage as well as possibly harming the environment. Fixing or replacing a faulty gas cap is like saving 2 cents per gallon.

    6. Lose Weight
      For every 100 extra pounds carried around, your vehicle loses 1-2 percent in fuel efficiency. For every 100 lbs you unload, you're saving the equivalent of 4 cents per gallon.

    7. Don't Speed
      For every 5 mph you reduce highway speed, you can reduce fuel consumption by 7 percent. If you typically drive 70 on the highway and slow down to 65, it's the equivalent of saving 19 cents a gallon.

    8. Drive Smoother
      The smoother you accelerate and decelerate, the better your gas mileage, with potential gas savings of 33% on the highway and 5% around town. Consumers who currently drive erratically can pocket the equivalent 48 cents a gallon by driving more smoothly.

    9. Don't Give Your Foot a Brake
      Riding with your foot on the brake not only wears out brakes but can also reduce gas consumption by as much as 35 percent. If you kick the habit of driving with your foot on the brake, you'll get the equivalent of 96 cents per gallon in savings.

    10. Don't Idle
      If stopped off the road for more than 30 seconds, turn off the engine. Don't "warm up" your car before driving -- it is not necessary. For every two minutes that you don't idle, you'll save the equivalent of nearly 1 cent per gallon.

    Comment on this news story
  • Stateline Green Archive 

    Wednesday, February 3rd, 2010


    Oregon, IL Bed & Breakfast Goes Green Play Media
    New owners take steps to make an old building a little greener.

    Wednesday, January 27th, 2010


    Byron Public Library Goes Green Play Media
    The new Byron Public Library was built environmentally-friendly.

    Tuesday, January 26th, 2010


    Governor Quinn Announces Guidelines for Illinois' ENERGY STAR® Appliance Rebate Program
    Over $12 Million in Federal Recovery Funds Available to Increase the Use of Energy Efficient ...

    Governor's Green Youth Awards
    Illinois EPA accepting project applications from Illinois students.

    Electric Car Maker Gets Federal Loan
    Tesla will borrow $465M loan to build a factory in Southern California.

    IDNR Makes Plans to Restock Rock River
    Catfish among target species for 2010.

    Thursday, January 21st, 2010


    $6M Recovery Grant for Green Jobs in Illinois
    Rockford will benefit from green energy grant.

    Monday, January 18th, 2010


    Pine Mulch Now Available in Winnebago County
    Get pine mulch from recycled Christmas trees.

    Thursday, January 7th, 2010


    Christmas Tree Recycling Program
    2010 Keep Northern Illinois Beautiful Christmas Tree Recycling Program

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