From the dinner table, to the gas tank

HOLYOKE, Mass. (WWLP) - Do you prefer grease or gas?

Until recently, vegetable oil was reserved for cooking. Now, a growing trend can have you pouring it in your car.

"When fuel prices are high, you can save hundreds of dollars a month," said Justin Carben of Greasecar Vegetable Fuel Systems in Holyoke.

It is an idea that sounds appetizing to drivers who already feel their wallets are drained.

Three years ago, Michael Gudette converted his Mercedes from diesel fuel to vegetable oil. It is cheaper and burns cleaner.

"I've saved thousands of dollars, and the car has paid for itself," said Michael Gaudette of Woodstock, CT.

Alternative fuel is a trend that is picking up steam with motorists.

"To be quite honest, I got into it for the economic reasons first. Then, it was just sort of a nice bonus to have all the other things that come along with it," remarked Graham Jones of Cooperstown, NY.

At Greasecar Vegetable Fuel Systems in Holyoke, a conversion kit will cost you $1,000. Drivers who have made the switch say ‘it is money well spent’.

Customers can fill up their tank at the full-service shop for $1 less than the average price of diesel fuel.

If you are feeling even more adventurous, there are other "green" options for vegetable oil.

According to Greasecar Vegetable Fuel Systems, you can use pure vegetable oil from your local grocery store or walk into a restaurant and ask them for their used vegetable oil.

Drivers who have made the transition say grease is the only fuel they will pour into their guzzler.