AARP Online Community: AARPIL

AARPIL

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Location:
Chicago, Illinois
United States

Work:
AARP

Hometown(s):
Chicago, IL - State Office
Springfield, IL - Legislative Office

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http://www.aarp.org/il

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About Me

Serving nearly 1.8 million members in Illinois, AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization dedicated to enhancing quality of life for all generations through positive social change. Recently, AARP unveiled Divided We Fail (www.dividedwefail.org), a national effort designed to engage the American people, elected officials and the business community to find solutions to the challenges of health care and long-term financial security. AARP Illinois provides information, resources and education for its members; engages in legislative advocacy; assists members in serving their communities; and offers a wide range of benefits, special products and services for members. AARP Illinois has two offices: AARP Illinois State Office 222 N. LaSalle, Suite 710 Chicago, IL 60601 AARP Illinois Legislative Office 300 W. Edwards, 3rd Floor Springfield, IL 62704

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Pressure at the Pump

For Immediate Release Contacts: Gerardo Cardenas 312-458-3609

Wednesday, July 2, 2008 Heather Underwood 312-458-3623

HOLIDAY WEEKEND PUTS MORE PRESSURE FOR ILLINOISANS

AT THE PUMP

AARP Provides Tips for Saving on Gas Without Skimping on Safety

CHICAGO, Illinois – The pocketbooks ofIllinois consumers are getting hit hard – skyrocketing utility bills, soaring gas prices, an increased grocery and prescription drug costs are putting Illinois residents, particularly those on fixed incomes, in an economic bind. With gas prices already among the highest in the nation, and expected to rise as we head into the Fourth of July weekend, AARP is providing consumers with tips for saving at the gas pump.

“Soaring gas prices are having a huge impact on the economic security of all Illinoisans,” said Bob Gallo, AARP Illinois State Director. “These tips could help you save some money at the pump, and help you better enjoy your holiday travel.”

To conserve gas, follow eight simple guidelines:

Take it easy. Don’t brake suddenly or accelerate quickly—doing so can lower gas mileage by 33 percent at highway speeds, according to the Alliance to Save Energy (ASE).
Don’t skimp on vehicle upkeep. Keeping your tires properly inflated and your trunk free of junk can also increase fuel efficiency. So can regular tune-ups, fixing faulty oxygen sensors and regularly replacing air filters.
Slow down. Gas mileage decreases rapidly above 60 miles per hour. “Each five miles per hour over 60 mph is like paying an additional 20 cents per gallon of gas,” ASE reports. Use cruise control to help you maintain a constant speed.
Shop around: In some cities, gas prices can vary by 20 percent from one side of town to the other. AARP Bulletin Today offers links to some gas-saving Web sites to help you find the best deal in your area.
Think small. SUVs may be fun, but maybe it’s time to switch. Smaller cars and hybrids are more fuel-efficient. If you’re in the market for a new car, visit the U.S. Department of Energy’s Fuel Economy site (www.fueleconomy.gov) or the EPA’s Green Vehicle Guide (www.epa.gov/greenvehicles) for information on which vehicles get the best gas mileage.
Think smaller. Bikes are cheaper than even the most fuel-efficient cars.
Avoid idling. Having “no particular place to go” may have been okay for Chuck Berry, but it can cost you money, especially if you have a larger car.
Get more for less driving. Sure, driving less helps you save on gas. But it can also help you save on car insurance. The Consumer Federation of America reports that driving less can help consumers save an average of 5 to 15 percent on insurance rates. If you’ve started taking the bus to work instead of driving, for instance, your classification may change and you may be eligible for an immediate rate reduction.