The Ten Minute Activist
Easy Ways to Take Back the Planet
Reader Tip: Getting the Most from Gasoline (Part 2)
DO NOT SQUEEZE THE TRIGGER OF THE NOZZLE TO A FAST MODE WHEN FILLING UP. Most triggers have three stages: low, middle and high. In slow mode you pump on low speed, thereby minimizing the vapors created while pumping. All hoses at the pump have a vapor return. If you pump on the fast rate, more liquid becomes vapor. Those vapors are sucked up and back into the underground storage tank so you get less worth for your money.
FILL UP WHEN YOUR TANK IS HALF FULL. The more gas you have in your tank, the less air is occupying its empty space. Gasoline evaporates fast. Gasoline storage tanks have an internal floating roof. This roof serves as zero clearance between the gas and the atmosphere, so it minimizes evaporation.
DO NOT FILL UP if there is a gasoline truck pumping into the storage tanks when you stop to buy gas. Likely the gasoline is being stirred up as the gas is delivered, and you might pick up some of the dirt that normally settles on the bottom.
Finally, to use less gas per mile, aim far ahead as you drive so you coast to a stop at red lights and stop signs. You can also coast downhill and accelerate a bit more slowly than you used to. This technique has increased my mileage by four or five miles per gallon.
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