ALT-3 Ways to Save Money on Gas
In today's world, with the oil producing countries controlling production output to conserve their dwindling natural resources and government's considering the motorist as easy pray for raising money through stealth taxes, the economic benefit of saving fuel consumption has become almost as important as the beneficial effect such action will have upon environmental issues such as climate change. In this respect there are a number of actions that the motorist can take that will help to save money on gas.
Of course the simplest way to save money on gas of course is not to use the car in the first place. Although this is said partially in jest it does make sense before jumping into the automobile to stop for a second and consider whether there is a need for the journey. For example, if one is going to the local shop for milk or a few necessities, is it necessary to take the car? Surely, if it is local it is better to walk. In addition to helping to reduce your spending on gas, the walking option will also be beneficial in terms of improving your physical fitness and, potentially, allow you to get to know people in your local community.
Alternatively, one could use public transport. Most major shopping malls and centres, and indeed 'town centre' work locations, are well served by public transport and, as long as there is a convenient location to join this close to where you live, this option can reduce the stress of driving in a congested environment as well as reduce your gas costs.
Even if public transport is not a feasible option there is another that can produce gas savings and this can be achieved by sharing the experience. For example, why not make the weekly shopping trip an experience to share with a friend. Using alternative cars you could arrange to do your shopping trips on the same day and, after the mundane purchasing has been completed, adjourn to a convenient coffee shop for a time of entertaining conversation. The same sharing option can also be applied to work, especially with friends who work for the same employer. Such arrangements will halve and, as a by-product, reduce the costly expense of automobile maintenance.
Talking about maintenance brings us onto another major area of motoring where significant gas savings can be made. Inefficient automobiles consume more gas. An automobile that is regularly serviced and maintained will remain close to its maximum efficiency levels and this will improve its gas consumption, saving you money. Additionally, regular checks of things such as tyre pressure will increase mpg, increasing savings.
Finally, we come to another gas cost saver, the driving habit. For example, just because the automobile manufacturer claims that his product can achieve speeds in excess of 100 mph, there is no sense in spending every moment of your driving trying to prove them right. More sedate speeds will not only help you to avoid the financial penalty of speeding fines but also reduce your fuel costs and, with today's congested highways, you are likely to reach your destination in a similar time without being so stressed. Similarly, being aware of the road and traffic conditions and adapting your driving habits accordingly can have the same effect. Reducing the need for sharp braking and relaxing pressure on the accelerator will save you fuel and money, as well as reducing the cost associated with replacement of component parts such as brake discs. This does not mean that you have to drive so slow as to create your own private congested queue. What it does mean is that by adapting driving habits to the conditions on the road you can reduce the time and money spent dating with your favourite gas station.
Saving money on gas is not difficult and, furthermore, it does not have to mean a major change to your lifestyle. Even where it does these changes can improve your life style rather than inhibit it. Considering whether motoring journeys are necessary, sharing the experience, regular maintenance and small changes to your driving habits will all lead to extra pounds of dollars in your purse or wallet as well as reducing the stress in your life. Just think of what you can do with the additional money. Flowers or jewellery for the lady, new gadgets for the man or a better family holiday!
