With gas prices hovering around $3 per gallon and no relief in sight this summer, organizers of the Drive Clean Across Texas campaign have a reminder for Texas motorists: saving money at the pump is good for the environment, too.

The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality sponsor the Drive Clean Across Texas air quality public education campaign and encourage Texans to save money while taking simple steps to reduce emissions that contribute to air pollution, especially during the hot summer months. Higher temperatures can lead to higher ozone levels, which are particularly hazardous to children, the elderly, those with respiratory illnesses and anyone who spends significant time outdoors.

The Drive Clean Across Texas campaign recommends that drivers remove unnecessary weight from vehicles, keep tires properly inflated, drive the speed limit, reduce engine idling, and stop at the “click” when filling up. These five simple – and free – proactive steps can increase fuel efficiency in a car or truck up to 20 percent.

“The less gas we use, the more money we save and the less pollution we create,” says TxDOT’s Richard Goldsmith. “If each one of us makes just a few small changes to the way we drive and take care of our cars, it can make a big difference in air quality and how much money stays in consumers’ pockets.”

Clean air proponents suggest one of the most significant ways to reduce gasoline consumption is to keep your vehicle well maintained. A small investment in basic upkeep can make a big difference at the pump and in your vehicle’s performance. The Drive Clean Across Texas campaign points out that simply changing a clogged air filter can increase fuel economy by up to 10 percent.

For more tips on increasing fuel efficiency and protecting the air we breathe, visit www.drivecleanacrosstexas.org.

Good for You and Good for the Air

These five no-cost tips can increase fuel efficiency and save motorists money:

1. Lighten Your Load – Remove unnecessary weight from your vehicle. It takes more fuel to drive it around.

2. Check Your Tires – Properly inflated tires are safer, and they also may improve your gas mileage by up to three percent. For an accurate read, make sure to check the air pressure when tires are “cold” and haven’t been driven more than a few miles. Refer to the manufacturer’s sticker located inside the driver’s side door for the recommended tire pressure.

3. What’s the Hurry? – Besides staying safe (and legal!), driving at the speed limit makes good gas sense. The higher the speed, generally the more fuel you burn for each mile driven. Cars use about 10 percent more fuel driving at 70 mph than they do at 55 mph. And while you’re at it, avoid aggressive driving (hard accelerating and braking and frequent lane changes) – this has one of the greatest impacts on your fuel economy and helps traffic flow smoother as well.

4. Skip the Drive-Thru – An idling engine really is burning a hole in your pocket! It wastes gas and creates unnecessary emissions. So skip the drive-through line at the bank and your favorite fast food restaurant —park and head indoors instead.

5. Stop at the “Click” – You can save fuel and avoid adding gasoline vapors to the air, which can contribute to harmful ozone levels. Even if you don’t spill a drop of fuel on the ground, overfilling your tank will waste fuel by overloading the vapor recovery system on your vehicle. Once you’ve filled up, make sure you close your gas cap tightly as well.