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| Introduction |
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Lowering Your Gasoline Costs When the Price Goes Up
Oregon gasoline prices are at an all time high (not adjusted for inflation). There are a number of international and regional reasons that cause the price to rise. But, there are many things you can do to reduce your fuel costs. Deciding whether to drive, how you drive, what you do before you drive and what you choose to drive can all reduce your fuel use and cost.
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| To drive or not to drive? |
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- Protect your health and your pocketbook by walking to your destination whenever possible. You’ll lose weight, lower stress, save gas and money, and reduce pollution.
- Ride your bicycle to and from work or the store.
- If you own more than one vehicle, drive the one that gets better gas mileage whenever possible.
- Carpool and use public transportation whenever possible, and consider telecommuting if your employer allows it.
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| How should I drive? |
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- Stop aggressive driving. Speeding, rapid acceleration and rapid braking all waste gas and curb mileage by as much as 33 percent at highway speeds, according to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE).
- Prevent jackrabbit starts, opting instead for slow acceleration from a dead stop.
- Speeding wastes gas – and money. Each mile per hour you drive over 60 mph is like paying an extra 10 cents per gallon, according to DOE.
- Pack lightly when traveling, and avoid carrying items on your vehicle’s roof. An extra 100 pounds in the trunk cuts a typical car’s fuel economy 1-2 percent.
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| Maintenance |
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What do I do to my car before I drive?
- Keep your car properly tuned up to improve gas mileage by about 4 percent.
- Improve mileage by up to 40 percent by replacing a faulty oxygen sensor.
- Keep tires properly inflated to improve your gas mileage by more than 3 percent. This also extends the life of and ensures the safety of your tires.
- Use the manufacturer’s recommended grade of motor oil to improve your gas mileage by another 1-2 percent. Select motor oil with “Energy Conserving” on the API performance symbol to be sure it contains friction-reducing additives.
- Check and replace air filters regularly. Replacing a clogged or dirty air filter can improve your car’s gas mileage by as much as 10 percent, and a clean filter keeps impurities from damaging the inside of your engine.
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| What should I choose to drive? |
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- When buying a new vehicle, think high gas mileage. Check out the DOE Web site, www.fueleconomy.gov and the ACEEE (American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy) Web site, www.greenercars.com for information on fuel-efficient vehicles.
- Learn about current electric-drive vehicles on the Electric Drive Transportation Association Web site, www.electricdrive.org
- Get a $2,000 federal tax deduction (for 2004 purchases) when you purchase a hybrid-electric car. Next year (2005 tax year), the deduction drops to $500.
- The Oregon Department of Energy offers tax credits on hybrid and alternative fuel vehicles. Check out www.oregon.gov/energy or call 1-800-221-8035.
- When renting a car, ask for a model that gets better fuel economy. Fill up the tank before returning the car to the rental company since they usually charge higher gas prices.
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| Where do I get more ideas? |
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- The Oregon Department of Energy's Web pages on gasoline saving ideas.
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