Even though gas prices are close to or over $3 per gallon in some parts of the United States, people still put gas in their SUVs. And they probably won't change their plans for a summer trip, which is when more people are on the road, because it's more fun to drive there.
But when people fill up their gas tanks, they might want to think about ways to save energy. Mammoth Resource Partners Inc., an oil and gas exploration company based in Kentucky, says there are signs that the world's oil production has reached its peak. Peak oil happens when half of an oil field's reserves have been taken out. This means that the field will start to produce less oil every year until there is none left.
Roger L. Cory, president of Mammoth Resource Partners, said that China and India are using more oil every year because their economies are growing. "Europe and Japan are totally dependent on oil because they use more oil than they make. And there aren't many countries that are now considered "net exporters," meaning they use less oil than they make."
These trends can't keep going on forever without having an effect. If you can't buy a hybrid car, there are some other ways to get the most out of your gas. The American Petroleum Institute suggests a number of things to do:
- Get your engine tuned up regularly to save gas.
- Don't use your air conditioner all the time; doing so can save you up to 2 miles per gallon.
- Quit speeding. The more gas you use, the faster you drive.
- Make good plans for your trips. When you have errands to run, do as many as you can in one trip.
- Make sure your tyres have the right amount of air in them. Under-inflated tyres can waste up to one mile per gallon of gas.
Not only will these tips help you get more miles per gallon, but they may also help your car last longer.
