ALT-1 What you can do to Save Money on Gas
With fuel cost still hovering around the $3.00 per gallon mark the average American is spending $2250-$3,000 per year for gas. If your driving a pickup or large SUV it may be closer to $4,000. This is money that could be better spent improving your life style, entertainment, home improvement, family activities. There are many easy ways to help cut your fuel costs without making severe sacrifices in the things that matter most to your family.
As much as possible, just leave it in the garage. Make use of public transportation, a monthly bus pass is an absolute bargain as far as that daily commute to work. Going to and from work is the largest consumer of your fuel expense. That's why insurance companies charge less if your car isn't used to drive to work, a double savings.
For chasing down the block to the neighbors, or to the little store on the corner for milk or bread, just walk. The exercise will do you good. You might even lose some weight, again a double bonus. For the slightly longer trips use a bicycle. When I was growing up my bicycle was like having my trusty steed waiting outside for my next adventure. A ride of five miles was an everyday routine.
When you need to drive, do what ever it takes to squeeze the most mileage out of your vehicle. For the most part this is basically an attitude adjustment combined with using proper driving techniques. Most important is to have your car in the best condition it can possible be in. This includes proper maintenance, oil changes, tune ups, clean air filters. A clean engine breaths easier and will be more efficient.
Another big item is proper tire inflation. An under inflated tire creates heat and drag and will lower your mileage. An over inflated tire may blow out as the heat of driving increases the pressure even more. Be sure to follow manufacturer recommendations.
This may seem like a minor issue, but keep the car clean and waxed. Every little thing helps to add up to savings and a car that will slip through the air easier is more aerodynamic, and will use less fuel.
Keep the junk our of the trunk. Weight creates drag, the lighter the car is the more mileage. There is no need to carry a ton of tools if your car is properly maintained, your spare wardrobe should be kept in the closet, not in the trunk.
Now comes the attitude part, pretend you're an old man putting around town. Slow and steady will get you there and save you money in the process. Maintain steady pressure on the accelerator, use the cruise control as much as you can. Don't be in a hurry, the speed limit is the Maximum allowed, take it a little slower and you'll be able to see what's going to happen early enough to avoid using the brakes to slow down. Dropping speed by just letting your foot off the gas, rather than continually going from brake to gas brake to gas will not only give you a smoother more relaxing ride, it will save you some serious money.
A recent change by UPS where as much as possible they only make Right Turns has saved them in a number of ways. Without left turns they don't have to wait for traffic to clear from both directions before making their turn. This saves time and that saves fuel. And as crossing traffic lanes gives more opportunity for accidents it has improved their safety record as well. If you find yourself making the same run to the mall or to the school on regular basis this approach may help you as well.
Life is best spent smelling the roses, take your time, relax, don't get uptight. Approach every outing in your car as a time to leave the worries of life behind you. Let the other guy have the right of way, give a friendly wave to the guy driving the 18 wheeler that needs to squeeze in ahead of you to make the next turn. Be an asset rather than a liability when your out there driving. Your wallet, and your family will appreciate it.
