Driving Habits:

• Gas up at night. Putting gas into your vehicle releases Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) into the air. Throughout the day, these VOCs mix with oxides of nitrogen (NOx) in the air, "cook" in the summer heat, and form ground-level ozone. Refueling in the evening decreases the opportunity for VOCs to form into ozone. Evaporative emissions from morning gasoline fillups contribute to air pollution, particularly during the summertime. Wait 3 seconds after refueling before removing the nozzle and never top off the tank because any fuel that drips outside of your tank adds to ozone formation.

• Don't top off the tank. It releases gas fumes into the air and cancels the benefits of the pump's anti-pollution devices. So stopping short of a full tank is safer and reduces air pollution.

• Make fewer trips and trip-link. Cold engines pollute up to five times more than warm ones. A cold engine is one that has been sitting for over an hour. When possible, link all of your errands together into one trip to minimize "cold starts". Postpone errands on an ACOG Ozone Alert Day.

• Avoid excessive idling. It gets you zero miles per gallon. Avoid excessive idling of your vehicle by planning your route in order to avoid traffic jams and construction zones. You can also limit your idling by turning off your engine while you wait and by avoiding drive-thrus.

• Run Errands Off-Hours: Run groups of errands in the evening hours, since the impact of emissions is worse during hotter hours.

• Take it easy. Driving smoothly to eliminate “jack rabbit” starts and reducing unnecessary loads in your vehicle will save gas and the air. Keep starts and stops smooth. Nailing the pedal to the floor in “jackrabbit starts” waste gas. Abrupt stops also waste fuel - and cause extra vehicle wear and tear.

• Clear the road. Getting stuck in traffic is never a fun way to spend your time, but getting into an accident will almost certainly ruin your day. If you should find yourself in this unfortunate situation, remember to move your car out of the flow of traffic as safely as possible. In fact in Central Oklahoma, it’s the law.

• Lighten the load. Don’t use your trunk to store stuff - extra tires, beach chairs, a case of motor oil. Added weight lowers fuel economy. A rooftop luggage rack also creates drag that will reduce mileage.

• Stay out of traffic. Stop-and-go traffic takes a drastic toll on fuel usage. If at all possible, plan your trips to avoid periods of peak traffic congestion. Also try to avoid unnecessary idling, which burns more gas than turning off and restarting the engine.

• Drive the speed limit and keep a constant speed: Vehicle emissions increase the faster you drive. Plus, you will improve your MPG by driving the speed limit. Second, keep a constant speed - use cruise control if you can. Finally, use overdrive if you have it (most vehicles with automatic transmission do). That way, the car will shift into gas-saving mode at about 50 mph.

Driving Alternatives

Cars are THE major source of air pollution in Central Oklahoma. Before jumping into your vehicle to run an errand, or going to work, consider alternative means of transportation. Can you get to your destination by walking, biking or public transit? And think of the money you'll save on gas, parking and car upkeep!

• Take public transit. If you can, take transit and let someone else deal with the traffic. Treat yourself to a stress-free commute! Ride the bus to work or school. Mass transit saves money in vehicle operation costs, parking fees and tolls. Even one day a month puts money in your pocket. On ACOG Ozone Alert Days, the fare is FREE! Call Metro Transit at 235-RIDE for route information.

• Carpool or vanpool to work a few days, or even one day a week. Why not share a ride? Whether you're driving to work, the gym, a baseball game or to the beach, find a carpool partner. Take turns driving and give yourselves a break from road-stress a few days a week.

• Organize a parent carpool in your neighborhood to take the kids to and from school.

• Share a ride with a friend to social and recreational activities.

• Get Children On Board: Encourage children to ride the school bus, or organize a "school pool"- a carpool with other parents.

• Share After-School Driving: Join neighbors and friends to take turns driving children to sports practice, swim lessons, music lessons, etc.

• Telecommute. Working from home saves gas, vehicle upkeep and parking costs. Take advantage of flex-time and telecommuting options. Flex-time arrangements allow employees to change the starting and ending times of their workday to avoid idling in rush hour traffic congestion, while maintaining the same total work hours for the week. Telecommuting is a mobile work option that allows employees to be productive outside the traditional office setting, and can eliminate the work commute one or more days a week.

• Teleconference. Why drive to a meeting? Why search for parking? Teleconferences save time and money.

• Brown-bag it. Instead of driving to a restaurant for lunch, bring your lunch, organize an office potluck or order one lunch delivery for a group.

• Take a walk or ride a bicycle when possible.

• Use Technology: Use the phone and the Internet to locate or purchase products and services, instead of driving from store to store.

• Avoid drive-through windows at restaurants, banks, cleaners, etc.

Car Care and Maintenance

Care for your car. Regular maintenance and tune-ups can improve gas mileage, extend your car’s life and increase its resale value. Dirty air filters and oil filters, worn spark plugs, neglected oil changes and problems with the emission-control system can reduce fuel economy. Change your oil and check the filters every 3,000 miles for peak performance.

• Check Your Gas Cap: Leaking gas caps contribute to air pollution and waste fuel due to evaporation.

• Maintain tires and keep wheels aligned. Low tire air pressure is dangerous - and costly. It creates a drag on the engine, prematurely wears out tires and burns more gas. Misaligned wheels, worn wheel bearings or dragging brakes also can reduce fuel economy.

• Buy the right octane. Most cars work fine on regular gas (unless you hear an engine knock). But you should use the octane the carmaker specifies.

• Choose a cleaner air vehicle when considering your next purchase. Look at one of the alternative fuel vehicles - natural gas, electric and hybrids (cars that run on gasoline and electricity). Not only do these cars help our air, they are exceptionally fuel-efficient. Visit EPA’s Green Vehicle Guide website: www.epa.gov/greenvehicles/ or visit www.fueleconomy.gov to compare different vehicles emissions and fuel efficiencies.