1 CHECK YOUR TIRE PRESSURE.
If all Americans kept their tires properly inflated to the pressure recommended in the owner's manual, it is esti- mated that the nation would cut its gasoline use by 2%.

2 OBEY THE SPEED LIMIT AND AVOID FAST STARTS.
Slowing down from 75 to 65 miles per hour would reduce highway gasoline consumption about 15%. Also try to avoid rapid, jackrabbit starts, use cruise control whenever possible and downshift to low gear when climbing hills.

3 LIMIT THE TIME YOUR ENGINE IDLES.
Turn off your engine while parked or waiting. If the wait is longer than 30 seconds, starting up a car again uses less gasoline than leaving it running.

4 KEEP YOUR CAR TUNED.
A poorly tuned or maintained engine can increase gasoline consumption by as much as 15%.

5 USE LOW-FRICTION MOTOR OIL.
Motor oil marked with "Energy Conserving" on label contains friction-reducing additives that can improve gasoline mileage 2-3%.

6 BUY THE MOST FUEL-EFFICIENT CAR THAT MEETS YOUR NEEDS.
Toyota (Prius) and Honda (Insight) both sell hybrids that get 40-55 mpg and Ford will offer one in 2003. Find out more at www.ott.doe.gov/hev and www.hybridford.com.

7 CAR POOL, USE PUBLIC TRANSIT, AND/OR TELECOMMUTE WHEN POSSIBLE. REPLACE ONE OR TWO SHORTER CAR TRIPS PER WEEK BY BICYCLING OR WALKING.
If each commuter car carried just one more passenger once a week, we would cut gasoline consumption by about 2%. Not only are biking and walking great exercises but they also can give you a refreshing perspective on your neighborhood.

Adapted from Natural Resource Defense Council and SaveABarrel publications. For more detailed information, go to: www.nrdc.org/air/energy/fensec.asp or www.SaveABarrel.org