Despite gasoline prices nearing or above $3 per gallon in various parts of the United States, Americans still fill their SUVs. And most likely they won’t cancel their vacation plans for the summer – the season when more people are on the road traveling – because driving there is just more fun.
But as consumers fill up their gas tanks, they may want to consider conservation efforts. According to Mammoth Resource Partners Inc., a Kentucky-based oil and gas exploration company, there are signs that the world’s oil production is peaking. Peak oil occurs when half of an oil field’s reserves have been extracted, which means it will begin to progressively yield less oil with every passing year until nothing is left.
“China and India are consuming more oil every year to feed their growing economies,” said Roger L. Cory, president of Mammoth Resource Partners. “Europe and Japan, which use more oil than they produce, are completely oil-dependent. And the list of countries that are now considered ‘net exporters,’ which use less oil than they produce, is very short.”
These trends cannot continue without consequences. If buying a hybrid vehicle isn’t an option for you, there are some ways to make the most of your gas. The American Petroleum Institute recommends several courses of action:
Get an engine tuneup regularly to improve fuel economy.
Make sure your tires are properly inflated. Under-inflated tires can decrease fuel economy by up to 1 mile per gallon.
Quit speeding. The faster you drive, the more gas your car uses.
Use your air conditioning sparingly; it can save as much as 2 miles per gallon.
Plan your trips wisely. Combine all your trips into one when running errands.
Not only will these tips help you get more out of every tank, they may even extend the life of your car.
@rempo