With gasoline prices averaging near $4 a gallon, consumers are
looking for ways to make every drop count. The Texas Commission on
Environmental Quality (TCEQ) is offering several tips to improve
gas mileage, and our state's environment — giving Texans a
good start to saving before heading out on the road this Fourth of
July holiday.
By practicing proper vehicle maintenance — such as
changing the oil, checking tire pressure, and replacing the air
filter — you can save up to 56 cents per gallon. Proper
vehicle maintenance can reduce your car's emissions and reduce your
fuel cost by up to 14 percent.
Check Tire Pressure - With the maximum recommended
pressure, tires will last longer, deliver better gas mileage, and
be safer on the road.
Replace Air Filters - Clogged air filters cause engines to
work harder, requiring more fuel. Replacing filters improves your
vehicle's fuel economy by as much as 10 percent.
Pay Attention to the Check Engine Light - Repairing a minor
problem improves gas mileage by as much as 4 percent. Fixing a
serious problem, such as a faulty oxygen sensor, can improve your
mileage by as much as 40 percent.
Reduce Idling - If you expect to idle for more than 30
seconds, park your vehicle, turn it off, and go inside. Idling will
waste fuel and creates more emissions than restarting the
engine.
Slow down - You can improve fuel economy by 5 percent, if
driving in town, or by up to 33 percent on the highway. Typically
for every 5 miles per hour you drive over 60 miles per hour, it's
like paying an additional 20 cents per gallon of gas you use. If
you have a 13-gallon fuel tank, you can save $2.60 per tank just by
driving the speed limit. This adds up to an annual savings of
$135.
For additional ways to save fuel, don't top off the tank to
round-off your purchase. Fuel escapes as vapor, polluting the air,
and also increases the chance for spilling gas. Make sure the gas
cap is properly tightened; otherwise, gas will evaporate from the
car's tank.
The TCEQ offers additional tips on how to save money and the
environment on its Take
Care of Texas Web site.
