Issue link: https://adspolicy.uberflip.com/i/1436445
AARP 6 FUEL ECONOMY Getting good mileage and saving money on fuel are important to many drivers. A vehicle that gets 20 miles per gallon (mpg) can cost you hundreds of dollars more in fuel per year compared to one that gets 30 mpg. Tips to maximize your vehicle's fuel economy: X Keep your engine properly tuned and your tires properly inflated. X Avoid aggressive driving like speeding, rapid acceleration, or hard braking. X Don't idle your engine for excessive periods of time. X Combine errands; taking one longer trip uses less fuel than many short trips. To maximize a charge with hybrid or electric vehicles: X Check your owner's manual for tips on how to maximize your battery charge; many models have an "economy mode." X Keep your vehicle charged and be frugal using vehicle accessories like infotainment systems or smartphone chargers. Fuel Type Comparison While gas and diesel fuels are readily available at gas stations, alternative fuel types can be more challenging to find. However, alternative fuels like ethanol, natural gas, and propane tend to be slightly less expensive than gas and diesel and are also often better for the environment. For more information on fuel, visit the US Department of Energy website. FUEL SOURCE ENVIRONMENT AVAILABILITY GASOLINE Produced from crude oil, a fossil fuel Produces more air pollutants and higher greenhouse gas emissions than alternate fuels X Readily available at a variety of gas stations X Cost varies depending on octane rating DIESEL Produced from crude oil, a fossil fuel Produces more air pollutants and higher greenhouse gas emissions than alternative fuels Readily available at most gas stations ETHANOL Produced from corn, sugar cane, and other crops X Renewable and domestically produced X Produces lower greenhouse emissions X Available at some gas stations X E10 and E15 are blends of ethanol and gasoline. The number a er the "E" indicates the percentage of ethanol by volume. X E85, also called flex fuel, is an ethanol- gasoline blend containing 51% to 83% ethanol, which can be used by flex fuel vehicles ELECTRICITY Produced from fossil fuels like coal, natural gas, petroleum, and renewable resources like hydropower, solar, and wind Does not produce tailpipe emissions but can still produce pollutants X Recharge at home but could take several hours X Charge quickly at a charging station but may require a fee or subscription BIODIESEL Produced from vegetable oils and animal fats Domestically produced and clean burning. Produces less air pollutants than petroleum- based diesel Not available in every state; very few stations available in most states NATURAL GAS AND PROPANE Produced from fossil fuels Produce less air pollutants and lower greenhouse gas than petroleum-based gas Not available in every state; very few stations available in most states HYDROGEN Produced from fossil fuels, water electrolysis or hydropower Does not emit air pollutants A few retail stations available only in some states