Granite State Clean Cities Coalition

With the unpredictability of gas prices many of you might be wondering how you can try to save more fuel while driving your car. Here are a few tips from the USDOE with savings that may help.

1. Drive Sensibly - Avoid aggressive driving (speeding, rapid acceleration, and braking) Fuel Economy Benefit: 10%-40% ($0.45-$1.80/gallon)

2. Avoid hauling cargo on your roof unless necessary. Roof boxes that aren't being used can reduce fuel economy. Rear-mounted cargo boxes/trays are much more efficient. Fuel Economy Benefit: 2%-17% ($0.09-$0.76/gallon)

3. Remove excess weight. Using your trunk for storage may be reducing your fuel economy. Fuel Economy Benefit: 1%/100 lbs ($0.04/gallon)

4. Avoid excessive idling. Idling can use a quarter to a half gallon of fuel per hour, depending on engine size and air conditioner (AC) use. Fuel Cost Savings: $0.02-$0.03/min (AC off); $0.02-$0.04/min (AC on).

*Note: Cost savings are based on an assumed fuel price of $4.50/gallon.

Visit the Alternative Fuels Data Center's website to learn more: https://afdc.energy.gov/conserve U.S. Department of Energy NH Department of Environmental Services