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Fuel Economy Benefits

Increasing vehicle fuel economy benefits drivers by saving them money, the United States by making it less dependent of foreign oil, and the environment by releasing fewer emissions into the air.

Fuel Savings

Saving Money: photo of a hand putting money into a piggy bank.

The primary benefit of employing fuel economy measures is decreased fuel costs. Consumers and fleets can save $300 to $500 each year by driving the most fuel-efficient vehicles in a particular class. Over a vehicle's lifetime, fuel efficiency can add up to savings of thousands of dollars. Fuel-efficient models come in all shapes and sizes, so there's no need to sacrifice utility or size.

Consumers and fleets don't need to buy a new vehicle to increase their fuel economy. Proper maintenance and practical driving techniques can increase the fuel economy of their current vehicles.

The first thing to do is check your tire pressure. A vehicle running on tires that are properly inflated gets better gas mileage. Also be sure to keep your vehicle fluids up to standards. Next, consider your driving habits. Do you speed up to stop signs and hit the brakes hard? Do you make jackrabbit starts? If so, change your driving style and slow down sooner for stop lights and ease up to speed after the stop position. These simple changes can save you money and maybe even extend the life of your vehicle.

To appreciate these savings, try tracking your fuel economy for two weeks. The first week, check your odometer then drive as you usually do. At the end of the week, note the amount of gas you used that week and how many miles you got to the gallon. The following week, check your odometer again then employ the tips mentioned above. At the end of the second week, compare the mileage. Chances are you will see improved mileage during week two. To learn more about Gas Saving Products (PDF 227 KB), go to this document provided by the Federal Trade Commission. Download Adobe Reader.

For more information on improving fuel economy, go to:

Petroleum Independence

Annual Cost of U.S. Oil Imports (Billions of Dollars). The annual cost increased from just over $20 billion dollars in 1974 to nearly $80 billion in the early 1980s. The annual cost of oil imports decreased to less than $40 billion per year in the late 1980s. From 1998 to 2003 the annual cost increased from ~ $60 billion to over $120 billion in 2003.

Improved fuel economy can also reduce U.S. dependence on foreign oil. The United States consumes approximately 20 million barrels of oil per day—two-thirds of which is used for transportation. Half of the oil used to produce gasoline to power our vehicles is imported. These imports cost more than $2 billion a week. This money stimulates other oil-producing countries' economies.

By taking measures to improve the fuel economy of U.S. vehicles, drivers strengthen our country's national security, making us less dependent on foreign oil.

Environmental Protection

Photo of the earth.

Burning fossil fuels such as gasoline and diesel contributes to air pollution and climate change. In addition, spills from refining and transporting oil and petroleum products damage ecosystems and pollute groundwater and streams. Approximately 1.7 million gallons of oil are spilled in U.S. waters each year, and the Environmental Protection Agency has reported around 200 confirmed leaks each week since 2000. Therefore, reduced use of oil could help limit the number and volume of these leaks.