Bill Marsh 'Green' | Green Check-Ups | Buy Green
Great Gas Saving Tips

Record gas prices have all of us looking for ways to save on gas. The National Automobile Dealers Association has put to gether a new initiative to raise public awareness of some simple ways to save money on gas and, at the same time, cut greenhouse gas emissions.

Learn About Green Checkups:
We're calling it the Green Checkup. And we're urging new-car and -truck dealers around the country to offer the Green Checkup at their dealerships for free.

Auto dealers already routinely conduct vehicle safety inspections. However, the Green Checkup will focus on those things that have the most impact on fuel economy. We're talking about oil and air filters, engine performance, tire pressure and emission controls.

Even the most fuel-efficient cars can get poor gas mileage if they're not properly driven or maintained.
 
For example...
  • Tires that are not inflated properly can reduce fuel economy by 3 percent.
  • A single misfiring spark plug can cut fuel economy by 4 percent (more).
Record gas prices have all of us looking for ways to save on gas. The National Automobile Dealers Association has put together a new initiative to raise public awareness of some simple ways to save money on gas and, at the same time, cut greenhouse gas emissions.

6 Ways To Save On Gas

Avoid Quick Starts & Aggressive Driving
A smooth, steady speed saves gasoline and reduces wear and tear on the engine, tires, transmission and brakes.

Slow Down
Fuel economy decreases about 1% for each mph over 55. Driving 65 mph vs. 75 miles mph, for example, increases fuel economy by about 10%.

Use Overdrive & Cruise Control
Overdrive gears slow engine speeds, saving gasoline and reducing wear. By helping to maintain a constant speed, cruise control reduces gasoline consumption. Use both features only when safe and appropriate.

Combine Trips When Possible
Your engine runs more efficiently once it's warmed up, so avoid making multiple short trips. Stop-and-go driving also burns more gasoline. Avoid driving during rush hour whenever you can.

Reduce Drag
Remove roof racks, tow-hook carriers, and other items from your vehicle that cause wind resistance.

Avoid Unnecessary Idling
In addition to contributing to engine wear and tear and air pollution, consider that when your vehicle is idling, you are getting 0 miles per gallon of gasoline you use.