SJG Conserve

Fuel for Thought: Pay less at the pump & save gas

South Jersey Gas is dedicated to helping you save money and conserve gas at home, at work – and in your car.

As fuel prices continue to rise, we’re all looking to pay less at the pump and cut down on fuel consumption. Check out these tips below:

• Slow down. Driving above 50 mph shrinks your gas mileage. For every 5 mph above 50 mph, it's like paying an additional $0.22 per gallon of gasoline. 
• Drive sensibly. Avoid rapid acceleration, speeding and hard braking, as well as aggressive driving (which can reduce highway gas mileage by 15% to 30% and city mileage by 10% to 40%).
• Avoid idling your car. If parked for more than 10 seconds, turn off your engine. Idling can use up to a half gallon of fuel per hour, depending on engine size and air conditioner use.
• Decrease drag. Place items inside the car or trunk, not on roof racks, which can lower your fuel economy.
• Lighten your load. Don’t store heavy items in your vehicle; carrying an extra 100 pounds may increase your gas costs.
• Combine errands. Driving from a cold start can use twice as much fuel as one trip covering the same distance when the engine is warm.
• Keep your tires properly inflated. Find the correct tire pressure in the car owner's manual or on a sticker located in the glove box or driver's side door jamb. Note: this number may differ from the maximum pressure shown on your tire's sidewall.
• Maintain your vehicle. Improve your fuel economy by solving problems – worn spark plugs, dragging brakes, sagging belts – that can be identified through routine maintenance. Repairing serious problems, such as a faulty oxygen sensor, can improve mileage by as much as 40%. 
• Drive less. Look into telecommuting, carpooling, public transit and active transportation like bicycling or walking to save on fuel and car maintenance costs.

Source: Energy.gov; all cost estimates assume an average price of $3.15 per gallon.