Gas Saving Tips

During the last gas crisis in the Persian Gulf in the 1970s, American motorists could only squeeze 15 miles out of a gallon of gas, however, that gallon only cost 38 cents. Today, gas prices have spiked to more than two dollars a gallon in some areas of the country—and light trucks, the most popular selling vehicles, are thirsty vehicles. A barrel of crude oil hit $40 last month, but slipped back down to $30 the day before the second Gulf War was launched.

History
In 1970 there were seven major oil companies that held the concessions for oil production in the Persian Gulf. Now there are four. Leaner and meaner corporate management has led these companies, Exxon Mobil, Chevron Texaco, Royal Dutch/Shell Group and BP, to cut their crude oil inventories by 115 million barrels. After the economic downturn following 9/11, OPEC cut production and the Bush administration began buying oil for the nation's Strategic Petroleum Reserve. Oil prices began to drop and consequently U.S. producers let inventories drop. That, in turn, led to price spikes in oil and gasoline. As the buildup to the war with Iraq began, oil prices began to rise in September. A hurricane in the Gulf of Mexico hurt oil production in October further squeezing inventories. A December strike in Venezuela, where the U.S. gets a good deal of its crude oil, further shortened supply. If Iraq fires its oil fields, less crude oil will make it to market. All this sets the stage for volatile pricing at the pumps. American motorists may be in for price rises at the pumps as shrinking supplies lead into the spring and summer heavy driving periods.

Tips
Getting more out of a tank of gas will have an economic thrust for American drivers if prices at the pumps keep going up. Motorists can add 25 percent to the life of a tank of gas with a few simple adjustments to driving habits and auto maintenance.


> Underinflated tires can cut fuel economy by up to two percent per pound of missing pressure. Check your tire pressure at least once a month. Worn spark plugs and dirty air filters also increase your vehicle's thirst.


> Carrying a heavy load of unnecessary items in the trunk can increase the fuel needed for daily trips.


> Slowing down the pace of driving can slow down the drain on fuel. Rabbiting through traffic will deplete a tank of gas much faster than a steady pace.


> On long trips use cruise control. A steady pace uses less gas. Look at your personal fleet and use the most fuel-efficient vehicle for the majority of your driving. Go a step further and consolidate small trips into one by shopping ahead online or through newspaper and magazine ads to pinpoint your shopping destinations.


> When you are looking for deals on gas, remember that you can save almost 24 cents a gallon by filling up at the self-serve rather than the full service pump. Don't feed your car mid-grade or premium gas unless it is recommended in your owner's manual or to prevent knocking in an older vehicle.