ConocoPhillips supports more fuel-efficient vehicles that get more miles per gallon of gasoline. The company is participating in the API energy efficiency program to improve the refining efficiency index rating by 1 percent per year from 2002 to 2012. The company also is working with automakers to provide lubricants that enhance engine efficiency.
Only about 15 percent of the energy from the fuel you put in your car’s gasoline tank gets used to move your car down the road or run useful accessories, like air conditioning. The rest of the energy is lost to engine and driveline inefficiencies and idling. Source: U.S. Department of Energy, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy; U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Tips for Driving More Efficiently
Drive Sensibly. Speeding, rapid acceleration and braking can lower your gas mileage by 33 percent at highway speeds and by 5 percent around town.
Fuel Economy Benefit: 5 to 33 percent
Observe the Speed Limit. Even though each vehicle reaches its optimal fuel economy at a different speed (or range of speeds), gas mileage usually decreases rapidly at speeds above 60 mph. As a rule of thumb, you can assume that each 5 mph you drive over 60 mph is like paying an additional $0.20 per gallon for gas.
Fuel Economy Benefit: 7 to 23 percent
Remove Excess Weight. Avoid keeping unnecessary items in your vehicle, especially heavy ones. An extra 100 pounds in your vehicle could reduce your mpg by up to 2 percent. The reduction is based on the percentage of extra weight relative to the vehicle's weight and affects smaller vehicles more than larger ones.
Fuel Economy Benefit: 1 to 2 percent/100 lbs
Avoid Excessive Idling. Idling gets 0 miles per gallon. Automobiles with larger engines typically waste more gas at idle than do automobiles with smaller engines.
Use Cruise Control. Using cruise control on the highway, in most cases, will save gas.
Use Overdrive Gears. When you use overdrive gearing, your car's engine speed goes down. This saves gas and reduces engine wear.
Source: U.S. Department of Energy, Energy Information Administration
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