Region 1: EPA New England
Simple Steps Can Conserve Gas, Save Money and Reduce Auto Emissions
Note: EPA no longer updates this information, but it may be useful as a reference or resource.
By Robert W. Varney
October 21, 2005
There is nothing quite like enjoying another spectacular summer in New England.
Daylight lingers with warm, pleasant temperatures. Evenings are comfortable. The fireworks of Independence Day dazzle us, kids are on their annual hiatus from school, and we eagerly await the ripening of locally grown corn and tomatoes. And, many families across our region are finalizing plans to enjoy a vacation with family and friends.
Over the next several weeks, many of us will use our cars to visit one of New England’s world famous beaches, a lake nestled in the interior mountain areas, or an historic town to relax for a summer vacation. Especially in this time of high gas prices, New Englanders should know that there are easy steps that help to maximize the mileage our cars get, and help to reduce emissions.
To get the most out of each gallon of gas and reduce tailpipe emissions, EPA encourages the following steps:
Drive Wisely - Fuel is wasted by sudden starts and stops, by driving at excessive speeds, by carrying extra weight in the trunk and by unnecessary idling. Waiting through a long drive-through line is not only frustrating, but wastes fuel and creates unnecessary pollution.
While on the highway, using cruise control at the speed limit (traffic conditions permitting) helps maintain a constant speed and can help you to save gas. At lower speeds, using overdrive gears will slow the engine speed, save gas and reduce engine wear.
Regular Maintenance - Routine car maintenance not only can extend a car’s life and increase its resale value, but it can help improve gas mileage. Properly inflated and aligned tires, a tuned engine and regularly changed oil and air filters are a few simple steps that help ensure maximum fuel efficiency.
Advanced Trip-Planning - Planning your routes, avoiding peak traffic periods, combining errands and eliminating backtracking will help you to save gas, prevent wear and tear and save time.
Smart Refueling - Did you know that topping off the tank creates harmful emissions and wastes money? Gasoline vapors not only smell bad, but they are harmful to breathe, contribute to ground-level ozone formation and are a source of toxic air pollutants such as benzene. Evaporation from the spillage of gas from overfilling can occur, contributing to the air pollution problem.
In the longer term, all of us can play important parts helping to protect the air we breathe and minimize trips to the fuel pump. New cars have more choices than ever when it comes to fuel economy and protecting the environment. EPA encourages consumers to consider fuel economy when purchasing a new vehicle.
Here in New England we are lucky to have such an abundance of truly spectacular summer getaway destinations within easy driving distance. By taking a few simple steps to maximize fuel efficiency, we can all reduce the impact a long trip may have on both the environment and our travel budget.
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Robert W. Varney is regional administrator of EPA's New England Office in Boston.