Achieving Energy Independence and Lowering Gas Prices for Ordinary Americans
Rosa has introduced the following legislation to lower gas prices and to protect American consumers. In addition, Rosa has been keeping pressure on the Bush administration and the oil companies to lower gas prices for consumers. She has repeatedly called on President Bush and the Republican leadership in Congress to investigate possibly gas price gouging, as you can see below. You can also click here to watch Rosa's speech on the floor of the House, discussing high gas prices. Steps to Help Save You Money The following information, which is provided by the Federal Trade Commission, can help you save money by conserving fuel. You can also visit http://www.fueleconomy.gov/ for more details. How To Be Penny-Wise, Not Pump-Fuelish The high price of gasoline doesn't have to bust your budget. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the American Automobile Association (AAA) offer these tips to help fuel savings at the pump: When Gassing Up: -
Choose the right octane gas for your car. Check the owner's manual to find out what octane your engine needs. Octane ratings measure gasoline's ability to resist engine knock. The higher the octane, the higher the price: Premium (highest octane) gas sells for an average of 17 cents more per gallon than regular gas. Only about 6 percent of cars sold in the U.S. need premium gas, the AAA says. Still, premium gas accounts for about 10 percent of all gas sold. Resist the urge to buy higher octane gas for .premium. performance. -
Avoid topping off your gas tank. In warm weather, fuel expansion can cause an overflow. Before Heading Out: -
Keep your tires inflated to the proper level. Properly inflated tires provide less road-resistance and can improve fuel efficiency. Check your owner's manual for appropriate inflation levels. This information also is usually available on the jamb of the driver's-side door. -
Keep up with engine maintenance. Make sure that you change the spark plugs and filters according to the manufacture's recommendations. -
Avoid packing items on top of the car. A loaded roof rack or carrier creates wind resistance and can decrease fuel economy by 5 percent. It's better to place items inside the car or trunk. -
Lighten your load. An extra 100 pounds in the trunk reduces a typical car's fuel economy by 1 to 2 percent. While On the Road: -
Stay within posted speed limits. Driving at high speeds, especially for long distances, uses more gasoline. -
Use cruise control; it helps maintain a constant speed and, in most cases, helps reduce fuel use. -
Avoid "jack-rabbit" starts and stops. -
Use overdrive gears when on the highway. Overdrive decreases the car.s engine speed, reducing fuel consumption and engine wear. -
Use air vents to circulate the air instead of air conditioning. The FTC works for the consumer to prevent fraudulent, deceptive, and unfair business practices in the marketplace and to provide information to help consumers spot, stop, and avoid them. To file a complaint or to get free information on consumer issues, visit www.ftc.gov or call toll-free, 1-877- FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357); TTY: 1-866-653-4261. The FTC enters Internet, telemarketing, identity theft, and other fraud-related complaints into Consumer Sentinel, a secure, online database available to hundreds of civil and criminal law enforcement agencies in the U.S. and abroad.
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