Bye Bye Cheap Gas! Local Prices are up, Find ways to save tomorrow!
Posted by John Muir on Thu, Apr 28, 2011 @ 08:29 AM
Gas keeps going up and up. This is cutting into your budget for saving, vacation, or other special projects. There are creative solutions to help reduce the increases in gas spending.
#1 Reduce Driving - Obviously you have to 
drive but try to reduce your mileage by lumping all your trips into one. Ride your bike or walk to errands that are nearby. Public Transportation, especially in and around the city, will take you everywhere. Carpooling is another strategy to reduce your gasoline costs.
#2 Do not be a lead foot - We all love driving fast but if you want to save gas do not do it! Go the speed limit, coast when you can and avoid slamming on the brakes too. Excessive acceleration and braking are not green ways to drive, be smooth and consistent; when on the highway use cruise control to modulate your speed and avoid traffic wherever possible.
#3 Use your tech - Most of us have smart phones or have access to a computer. Use these tools to map out your route to eliminate excess mileage and avoid traffic. These tools can also be used to find the lower cost gas stations. You can also skip the trip to the store by ordering online and finding sites with free shipping!
#4 Empty your car - 100 pounds of stuff in the trunk equates to a 1-2 percent reduction in fuel economy. Clean cars are more enjoyable and deter theft so get that extra weight out and while you are at it be sure your tires are filled properly as well.
#5 Find the cheap gas - Get to know the stations that are consistently cheaper. Avoid being stuck buying at the expensive station by letting your tank run dry. Gas cards can help by providing rewards or incentives on gas purchases, but do your research first.
Do not forget to protect yourself when purchasing gas!
As you can see, there are many options to reduce your gas budget. These steps will also make for a happier car by reducing the mileage, which means less wear and tear! If you have any money saving ideas please post them below.
Gas keeps going up and up. This is cutting into your budget for saving, vacation, or other special projects. There are creative solutions to help reduce the increases in gas spending.
#1 Reduce Driving - Obviously you have to drive but try to reduce your mileage by lumping all your trips into one. Ride your bike or walk to errands that are nearby. Public Transportation, especially in and around the city, will take you everywhere. Carpooling is another strategy to reduce your gasoline costs.
#2 Do not be a lead foot - We all love driving fast but if you want to save gas do not do it! Go the speed limit, coast when you can and avoid slamming on the brakes too. Excessive acceleration and braking are not green ways to drive, be smooth and consistent; when on the highway use cruise control to modulate your speed and avoid traffic wherever possible.
#3 Use your tech - Most of us have smarter phones or have access to a computer. Use these tools to map out your route to eliminate excess mileage and avoid traffic. These tools can also be used to find the lower cost gas stations. You can also skip the trip to the store by ordering online and finding sites with free shipping!
#4 Empty your car - 100 pounds of stuff in the trunk equates to a 1-2 percent reduction in fuel economy. Clean cars are more enjoyable and deter theft so get that extra weight out and while you are at it be sure your tires are filled properly as well.
#5 Find the cheap gas - Get to know the stations that are consistently cheaper. Avoid being stuck buying at the expensive station by letting your tank run dry. Gas cards can help by providing rewards or incentives on gas purchases, but do your research first.
As you can see, there are many options to reduce your gas budget. These steps will also make for a happier car by reducing the mileage, which means less wear and tear! If you have any money saving ideas post them below.