As Tight Supplies, War Fears Boost Oil, Gas Prices, Alliance to Save Energy Offers Consumers Tips for Saving Money at the Gas Pump

WASHINGTON, Feb. 27 -- As tight supplies and fears of war with Iraq push prices for oil and gasoline to their highest levels since the Persian Gulf War, the Alliance to Save Energy offers consumers tips to cut their gasoline usage and costs:

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

  * When buying a new vehicle, think high gas mileage. Check out the
    Department of Energy (DOE) website (http://www.fueleconomy.gov/ ) and the
    ACEEE website (http://www.greenercars.com/ ) for information on fuel-
    efficient vehicles.

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

  * 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.

  * 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.