For one-stop shopping on gasoline and diesel fuel prices, plus an analysis of how costs break down per gallon, check out the Web site of the Energy Information Administration, an arm of the U.S. Department of Energy. A 24-hour hot line provides on-highway gasoline and diesel prices: (202) 586-6966.
Following is a list of tips from the EIA for conserving gasoline:
Keep tires properly inflated. Gas mileage can be improved around 3.3 percent by keeping tires inflated to the proper pressure.Accelerate smoothly and break gradually. Aggressive driving (speeding, rapid acceleration and braking) wastes gas. It can lower gas mileage by 33 percent at highway speeds and by five percent around town.Check and replace air filters regularly. Replacing a clogged air filter can improve gas mileage by as much as 10 percent.Minimize the amount of time a vehicle idles. Idling gets 0 miles per gallon.Observe the speed limit. Gas mileage decreases rapidly at speeds greater than 60 mph. Each 5 mph faster than 60 mph is like paying an additional 15 cents per gallon of gas.Use the car's air conditioner selectively.Use cruise control. This helps drivers maintain a constant speed and, in most cases, will save gasoline.Use the manufacturer's recommended grade of motor oil, which can improve gas mileage by one to two percent.
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