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Tips to conserve fuel

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Fred Settle
  • 305th Logistics Readiness Squadron
MCGUIRE AFB, NJ. --  During the most recent State of the Union address by President Bush, he targeted the United States' urgency to conserve fuel. The proposition, known as "Twenty in Ten," states that over the next decade, Congress and every motor vehicle operating American need to assist in reducing the U.S. gasoline usage by at least 20 percent. Accomplishing this goal by 2017 will reduce the projected annual gasoline usage by up to 8.5 billion gallons. 

Military members are held to a higher standard and must comply with the Fraud, Waste and Abuse policies of government property. There are many tips offered and numerous changes that can be made to make this plan happen. Many of these ideas are repeats of what have been presented before, and others will be things that may have never been considered. This goal will require the utmost support and team work to accomplish ... and now is the time to get started. 

With gas prices up and usage at an all-time high, the most efficient way to conserve fuel is by driving less. While walking or riding a bicycle are more time consuming, they are just as effective for a method of transportation. If driving is the only resource available, consider carpooling. This is mentioned time and time again, yet so few people actually do it. When arriving at a destination, try spending less time driving around the parking lot looking for the most convenient parking spot. Think about how much time (and fuel) will be saved by parking in the first spot available and walking a little bit. Instead of driving from place to place, try calling in advance or searching the internet to find a product's availability, as this may save time and money. Plan trips in advance, find the shortest, most direct route and take it.
 
While driving, avoid quick starts and hard accelerations. A heavy foot guzzles more gas than many may be aware of. Remember that every five-mile increment over 55 mph drops a vehicle's miles per gallon by one. Try to keep the engine revving and pedal pumping to a minimum. Begin braking a little earlier when approaching a red light or stop sign. Waiting until the last minute to brake is a waste of fuel and is also hard on the vehicle's brakes. Another tip is to prevent unnecessary idling for long periods of time. While at a stand-still or with the possibility of remaining in the vehicle for a long period of time (i.e. trying to get off base after an air show), turn the engine off. Vehicles actually use less fuel from being turned on than while sitting idle. Try to keep the inside weight to a minimum as much as possible. Approximately every extra 100 pounds being carried around in a vehicle can cost around one mile per gallon more. Avoid using the air conditioner as much as possible. Roll the windows down or open the sun roof and enjoy some fresh air.
 
Finally, keeping a vehicle's maintenance on schedule is one of the most important things for the best upkeep of a vehicle, which is why the military provides such stringent inspection standards. Such things as getting the air filter cleaned regularly and topping off the levels can conserve more fuel in a vehicle. Maintain up-to-date oil changes with the correct or required type of oil. Do not buy "aggressive" tread tires unless absolutely necessary, and keep an eye on the tire pressure. For example, if tires are 8 pounds under inflated, it increases tire resistance by 5 percent, which in turn increases fuel usage. A vehicle's alignment is another very tedious maintenance item. If wheels are even a quarter of an inch out of alignment, the rolling resistance is affected which adds another 2 percent in fuel usage. Use cruise control on long highway trips. This feature maintains the most efficient amount of gasoline delivered for the desired speed.
 
It is everyone's responsibility to help conserve fuel and energy. These are just a few suggestions and tips that could potentially help save numerous amounts of money and assist in meeting the President's proposed "Twenty in Ten" goal. 

More information can be found through search engines on the internet as well as research through pamphlets and updates from the Vehicle Maintenance Flight, Fuels Management Flight and local Department of Motor Vehicles.