The world is just coming out of some of the highest prices ever seen for gasoline. Just one short year ago, gas was pushing $4 a gallon in most places in America and it topped $5 per gallon in others. However lately oil prices have begun to fall and people have brought out their big gas hogging vehicles once more.

Everyone should realize that even though the oil crisis is behind us for a moment the world is still highly dependent on foreign oil and the price soaring could begin again at any time. Not to mention the fact that oil as a natural resource is non-renewable and the time will come when it is no longer available, and those reasons do not even touch on green house gases and the trouble with the environment.

Research suggests that for each gallon of gas that is burned, 20 pounds of carbon dioxide are produced. You see the burning of gasoline and oxygen that is required to produce combustions has far-reaching effects. Bottom line is people need to know that they can take steps now that will ease many of the above-mentioned issues considerably.

Angry Driving
Some of the things you hear regarding saving gas will leave you scratching your head in disbelief. However one gas saving tip you can take to the bank involves the manner in which you drive. Erratic driving reduces your fuel economy by a third. If you have any doubts just look up an old episode of Myth Busters, they tested the angry erratic driving in real time and clearly proved that these numbers are accurate. So the next time you get frustrated on the road remember that it is not only costing your blood pressure but your wallet as well.

Weight
Since the late seventies automobiles have become lighter and lighter and there is a good reason for this. The more weight a car must carry the more fuel it will burn. During the first oil crisis, the American government stepped in and told carmakers that they would have to increase fuel economy in the vehicles rolling off the line. The first thing they did was lighten the cars and shrink the engines. Take a page from the manufacturers and keep your vehicle as light as possible, remove junk, and debris that tend to build up over time.

Proper Maintenance
Keeping your car in the best possible mechanical shape will aid you in fuel conservation. A car that runs poorly will always use more gasoline than a properly tuned automobile. Some areas to watch are:
• Tire inflation
• Oil change
• Proper fuel octane levels
• Tune up plus- plugs, wires, fluids, and filters
• Proper quality oil for your vehicle

Driving Habits
Finally keep a close eye on your driving habits. If you are prone to several trips to the grocery store per week, consolidate your trips down to one. To help you do this you should make weekly lists of all the things you commonly use and pick them up at one time.

Avoid idling excessively, in some countries you are required to turn off your engine when you stop at a red light. This idea has merit, anytime your vehicle has to idle more than 30 seconds you waste fuel, it is estimated that millions of gallons are squandered every year at stoplights. Of course, you must use good judgment, if your vehicle is unreliable or you must start and stop repeatedly the wear and tear on ignition systems should be accounted for as well.

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