News Release 117

DEPARTMENT OFFERS GAS SAVING TIPS

Volume 36-117	Contact: Kerry Cordray
(For immediate release)	573-526-4220

JEFFERSON CITY, MO, MARCH 12, 2008 – Gasoline prices shot above the $3 mark across much of Missouri this week. With the likelihood of even higher fuel prices to come, the Missouri Department of Natural Resources’ Energy Center is renewing its “Saving Green on Gasoline” campaign, offering tips and information to help Missourians save on fuel costs.

The U.S. Department of Energy issued new projections March 11 estimating that higher crude oil costs could push U.S. average retail gasoline prices this spring to peak near $3.50 per gallon, while diesel prices are expected to average around $3.70 per gallon in March and April.

“Many drivers feel helpless in the face of higher fuel costs,” said Anita Randolph, director of the Missouri Energy Center. “The only way most of us can take some control of commuting costs is through more energy-efficient driving. By following fuel economy and conservation measures, many drivers can make dramatic cuts in their transportation costs.”

The Energy Center’s “Saving Green on Gasoline” Web page and brochure include tips and links to Internet resources on driving techniques, vehicle maintenance, trip planning, carpooling, mass transit, and car buying. A few of these tips are:

Plan driving routes to avoid congested areas. Avoid rush hour and peak traffic times when possible.
Avoid extended warm-ups. Don’t rev up the engine. Instead, accelerate gently and drive slowly for a mile or so.
Accelerate smoothly and moderately. Achieve the desired speed and then keep steady pressure on the accelerator.
Do not let the engine idle for more than a minute. It takes less gasoline to restart the car than it does to let it idle.
Minimize braking. Anticipate speed changes. Let off the accelerator immediately after noticing a red light or slowed traffic ahead. Observe the posted speed limit. On the highway, most automobiles get about 20 percent more miles per gallon at 55 mph than they do at 70 mph.
Have your car tuned at intervals recommended by the manufacturer. Regular tune-ups extend engine life and improve performance. A poorly tuned car can use as much as 3 to 9 percent more gasoline than a well-tuned one. The tune-up will pay for itself in gasoline savings and car reliability.
Keep the engine air filter clean. Clogged filters waste gasoline.
Use the gasoline octane and oil grade recommended for your car. Most cars run fine on regular. Regular grade fuel costs 10 percent less than premium grade. Look for the best price and limit purchases when prices are high.
Check tire pressure regularly. Under-inflated tires increase gasoline consumption. Every pound of pressure under the recommended pounds per square inch can cause a 2 percent loss in fuel economy.
Where it is available, public transportation may be the least expensive way to commute. One person switching from driving alone to riding the bus or train to work can reduce transportation costs up to $1,500 annually.
Regularly sharing rides to work with a coworker can effectively cut commuting costs in half.

For the complete list of “Saving Green on Gasoline” information and tips, visit the department’s Web page at www.dnr.mo.gov/energy/savinggreen.htm.

For news releases on the Web, visit www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/index.html. For a complete listing of the department's upcoming meetings, hearings and events, visit the department's online calendar at www.dnr.mo.gov/calendar/search.do.

###