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Fuel Efficiency: Drive and Save

minnis
Adventurer B

At Southwest, you know we’re all about fuel efficiency for our planes and our ground equipment.  With prices at the pump at high levels, we know you’re feeling it in your pockets. Environmental decisions also make good business sense, so efficient driving can help reduce emissions and save money. 

Here are some tips:

  • Keep it Light – Reduce the weight of your vehicle by removing unnecessary items, especially heavy ones. Take off bicycle and ski racks when out of season. An extra 100 pounds in your vehicle could reduce your MPG by up to two percent!  
  • Cruising – If you hit the highway for Spring Break or on your commute, use cruise control on the highway, which helps you maintain a constant speed and saves gas.
  • Inflate – Make sure your tires are properly inflated to prevent increased rolling resistance.  Check tire pressure at least once a month, before the car has been driven and tires are “cold.”  Under-inflated tires can cause up to six percent increase in fuel consumption!  On average, tires lose about 1 psi per month and 1 psi for every 10 degree drop in temperature.  According to the Energy Information Administration, tire efficiency could save approximately 800,000 barrels of oil a day.
  • In Tune – Service your vehicle regularly, according to the manufacturer's instructions.  A poorly tuned engine can use up to 50 percent more fuel and produces up to 50 percent more emissions than one that is running properly.
  • Tighten Up – Turn your gas cap to the second click, so gas won’t evaporate.  According to the Car Care Council, loose, missing, or damaged gas caps cause 147 million gallons of gas to evaporate every year. 
  • Stay Cool – Park in shady areas when possible.  Besides helping to keep your car cool, which reduces the need for air conditioning, parking in the shade also minimizes the loss of gas due to evaporation.

Happy and safe driving—for more information on how to keep your vehicle in optimal shape and Green, go to http://www.carcare.org/.  Let us know how you live and work Green at Green@wnco.com.

DING!  You are now free to be Green.

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