With Gasoline Prices Approaching or Reaching Record Highs Around the Nation, Alliance to Save Energy Helps Consumers Get Better Mileage, Lower Out-of-Pocket Expenses

WASHINGTON, March 8 -- With gasoline prices nearing or reaching record levels in many states and regions of the country, the Alliance to Save Energy offers consumers tips to cut gasoline use and protect their pocketbooks:

  *  Show the love -- to your vehicle.  Keep your car properly tuned up, and
     change the air filter regularly, both to save gas and protect your
     engine.

  *  If you own more than one vehicle, drive the one that gets better gas
     mileage whenever possible.  Do you really need that SUV for trips to
     the video store?

  *  Show your cool by curtailing aggressive driving.  Speeding, rapid
     acceleration, and rapid braking all waste gas -- and curb mileage by as
     much as 33 percent at highway speeds, according to the U.S. Department
     of Energy (DOE).  Nix jack-rabbit starts, opting instead for slow
     acceleration from a dead stop.

  *  Slow down!  Speeding wastes gas -- and your money.  Each mile per hour
     you drive over 60 mph is like paying an extra 10 cents per gallon, DOE
     says.

  *  Inflate tires to the proper setting -- not only to increase fuel
     economy, but also to make tires safer and extend their life.  Get other
     tips for increasing your car's operating efficiency this winter from
     the American Automobile Association's website
     (http://www.aaamidatlantic.com/automotive/snow/vehicle.asp).

  *  When buying a new vehicle, think high gas mileage.  Check out the
     Department of Energy (DOE) website (www.fueleconomy.gov) and the ACEEE
     website (www.greenercars.com) for information on fuel-efficient
     vehicles.  Learn about current electric drive vehicles on the Electric
     Drive Transportation Association website
     (http://www.electricdrive.org/).  And read about Toyota's award-winning
     hybrid Prius on the Alliance's website
     (http://www.ase.org/media/newsrel/prius.htm).

  *  Avoid "going nowhere fast."  Idling gets 0 mph.  Cars with larger
     engines typically waste even more gas at idling than cars with smaller
     engines.

  *  Use the recommended grade of motor oil to maximize fuel economy.  Look
     for the "Energy Conserving" label that ensures friction-reducing
     additives inside.

  *  Combine your errands into one trip and plan your routes carefully to
     drive fewer miles and use less fuel.

  *  If available, use your vehicle's overdrive gear when appropriate to
     reduce engine speed, save gas, and decrease engine wear.

  *  Cruising down the highway?  Use cruise control to maintain a steady
     speed and help cut fuel consumption.

  *  Pack lightly when traveling, and avoid carrying items on your vehicle's
     roof.

  *  Carpool and use public transportation whenever possible.

  *  Get your exercise!  Whenever possible, walk to your destination.
     You'll lose weight, save gas and the planet.

The Alliance to Save Energy is a coalition of prominent business, government, environmental, and consumer leaders who promote the efficient and clean use of energy worldwide to benefit consumers, the environment, economy, and national security.