Alliance urges efficiency to combat gas-price hike

With the recent spike in gasoline and oil prices threatening the nation's fragile economic recovery, the Alliance to Save Energy urges consumers to make a solid commitment to energy efficiency as a way to counter rising oil and gas prices.

"Uncertain supplies plus ever-increasing worldwide demand can equal unpredictable price spikes," says Alliance President Kateri Callahan, "but energy efficiency can help us change that equation."

Callahan continues, "The 33-cent surge in gas prices over the past two weeks--reflecting today's $100+ a barrel oil prices – puts into sharp focus the urgent need to put energy efficiency at the top of the list of our nation's fuel sources in order to reduce our dangerous and costly oil dependence."

In addition, the Alliance advises consumers at their Drive Smarter Challenge website to be more fuel efficient by taking steps to minimize gas consumption, such as carpooling, emptying their trunks and ensuring their tires are properly inflated.

"We must continue to improve fuel economy standards and encourage the use of all-electric and hybrid vehicles as well as options such as telecommuting and public transportation," Callahan continues. "Public transit saves the United States more than 11 million gallons of gasoline per day, or 4 billion gallons annually," she adds.

Reduce gas costs and pollution this Turkey Day

Heading over the river and through the woods to grandmother's house this Thanksgiving? Don't let the costs and pollution associated with the car ride bring you down.

Check out DriveSmarterChallenge.org for tips to reduce your gasoline costs, pollution and CO2 emissions. Regardless of where you are traveling this Thanksgiving, The Drive Smarter Challenge Web site serves up answers to a variety of travelers' questions such as: Where can I rent a hybrid or fuel efficient vehicle? Where can I find cheap gas along my travel route? What public transportation is available at my destination?

Fuel-efficient driving is important for the environment without burning a hole in your wallet. Here are a handful of our fave tips from the site:

Before you go

• Keeping your tires inflated properly will increase your gas mileage by about 3 percent.
• Get a tune up. Fixing your car's failed emissions will improve its gas mileage by about 4 percent.
  

On the road

• Slow down. Each 5 miles over 60 mph will cost your 24 cents or more per gallon of gas.
• Don't idle. Idling get's you 0 mpg.. and bigger cars waster even more gas than smaller ones.
  

When you're done

• Fill up your rental car's tank. If you don't fill up the tank, a higher gas price will be charged to your account.

'Backseat Driver' wins fuel-saving video contest

A video featuring two buddies preparing to carpool who get fuel-efficiency tips from a literal backseat driver snagged the top prize in the Drive Smarter Challenge video contest.

David Markus, a California-based freelance videographer and aspiring film director, walked off with the $5,000 prize for his "Backseat Smart Driver" short while taking a humorous approach to serve up driving tips to help motorists spend less on gasoline.

"At an early age, my father gave me tips to drive more efficiently -- accelerate slowly, inflate tires -- so when I started filming, I already knew most of the tips," says Markus. My friends actually tease that I 'drive like a grandma.'"

Click here for the lowdown on the Drive Smarter Challenge.

Looking for adventure this Labor Day weekend?

This upcoming Labor Day weekend, 84 percent of travelers will hit the road, according to a AAA report. Although a road trip may be cheaper than flying, we can help save you more with help from DriveSmarterChallenge.org and AAA.com.

Get your motor running
Before you take your trip, make sure to plan accordingly. The last thing you want is to take the wrong route, waste gas, time and money on tolls. Here are a few tips before you take the trip:

• Get a customized traveling map with low gas prices along the route. This will be very handy and can be found here.
• Make sure the car is your best bet. Check out bus lines along your chosen route and trains. There may be last minute deals on other methods of transportation.
• Inflate your tires! This can save you 3 percent on your gas mileage.
• Investigate your vehicle's oil. Choosing the right oil for your vehicle can save you money. Using the manufacturer’s recommended grade of motor oil improves gas mileage by 1 to 2 percent.

Head out on the highway

• Don't run the AC on Max. We know driving in the heat can be uncomfortable. By turning down the AC however, you can improve your mpg by 5 to 25 percent.
• Keep items off your roof, and fill the trunk instead. A roof covered in items increases weight and aerodynamic drag, and will hurt mileage by up to 5 percent.
• Drive sensibly and keep your speed in check. Gas mileage can be lowered by 33 percent by increasing speed and braking heavily.
• Buy a GPS for your trip. The price of a GPS is very low, and is guaranteed to keep you on track. This will save you time, miles, and peace! Check out OnSale.com for low prices on a new GPS.