October is Energy Action Month – Fuel Efficiency Tips

  • Published
  • By Matt Latham and Elias Schtakleff
  • 4th Civil Engineer Squadron Energy Office
SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. --  October is Energy Action Month and also the time of year people begin to think about the amount of energy they use. This year, the base has teamed with local car dealers to display some of the most energy efficient vehicles on the market. A Chevy Volt, a Nissan Leaf, and a Toyota Prius are on display in the Base Exchange parking lot from October 10-15.

The intent of this display is to develop interest in alternative fuel/electric vehicles. October 15, the base energy office will set up an information booth to discuss Seymour Johnson's energy program and how we all need to "Consider Energy In All We Do." Representatives from local car dealerships will be available to answer questions about this new automotive technology.

Not in the market for a new car right now? Stop by to discuss other ways to conserve energy, both on the road and in the home.
Here are some fuel saving tips to consider:

· Obeying the speed limit not only saves lives, but saves gas. So does maintaining a constant speed: Rapid acceleration and braking can decrease fuel economy by 33 percent.
· Drive less aggressively.

· Nearly one in four cars needs an air filter replacement. A clean air filter can improve gas mileage by as much as 10 percent.

· Poor wheel alignment not only causes tires to wear out more quickly, but also forces your engine to work harder. Align your tires, and save up to 10 percent.

· When was your last tune up? A properly maintained engine can improve mileage by up to 4 percent.

· More than one-quarter of vehicles are driving on deflated tires. The average under-inflation of 7.5 pounds causes a loss of 2.8 percent in fuel efficiency

· Riding with your foot on the brake pedal will not only wear out brake pads (which will cost you at the maintenance shop) but can also increase gas consumption by as much as 35 percent.

· For every 100 extra pounds carried around, your vehicle loses one to two percent in fuel efficiency. Don't drive around with too much junk in the trunk.

· Besides causing pollution, idling wastes gas. Avoid unnecessary idling or cold weather warm-ups.

Look for other Energy Action Month activities and information around the base during October. Seymour Johnson is committed to reducing energy consumption in compliance with Executive Order 13423 Energy and Water Reduction Requirements. Contact the base Energy Office at 722-7443 or 4CESENERGY@seymourjohnson.af.mil for more information about energy saving ideas.