ALT-19 What you can do to Save Money on Gas
A little common sense is all you need to save some money on gas. At over three dollars a gallon, who wouldn't want to try and save some cash?
1. Drive smarter- We all know that slowing down a little can use less fuel, especially on highways. the trick is to actually do it! It's very tempting to drive at 70-80 miles an hour (or more) nd slowing it down to 60-65 may seem like you are barely moving, but it does save fuel. It just takes some getting used to. Try using your cruise control if you have it. It's kind of like a forced savings account.
2. Consolidate errands- Whenever possible do those errands that require driving from one end of town to the other in stop-and-go traffic all in one trip.
3. Use technology- Depending on where you live, it might actually be less expensive to shop on the Internet and have the product delivered to you. At the very least, do some research ahead of time to find where you can get what you want instead of driving around. Also, take advantage of on-line bill paying and payments that can be made automatically through your account. Not only is this more gas efficient, it can help you make your payments timely.
4. Maintain your vehicle- Follow the manufacturer's recommendation for changing the oil and filter, and air cleaner. Also, make sure you have the proper amount of air in your tires. Again, check with the manufacturer.
5. Shop around- Use a site such as www.gasbuddy.com to find the cheapest gas price in your area.
6. Log your usage- Keep a small notebook in your glove box and each time you fill up record the mileage, amount of fuel, and amount spent. Make a note of your miles per gallon, and if you notice a drop, it could indicate a mechanical problem. Also, sometimes just seeing the numbers in the proverbial black and white, can be a reality check and might motivate you to try some of the other suggestions for saving money on gas.
A little effort and common sense can put some green back in your wallet.
