ALT-4 Ways to Save Money on Gas
You can do your part to reduce the costs of gas and keep the environment in good shape! There are many benefits to limiting the usage of your car.
Car Pool if you can, not just to work, but to the grocery store, the mall, or any other errands you need to do. Post a sign in your neighborhood and set up a car pool list. If you can coordinate trips, you can save a lot of money.
Get on the bus! Use mass transportation when it is available. Sometimes the bus fare is less then you would spend on gas and parking. You can often get a discount on bus fare by buying a weekly or monthly pass. Bus companies also offer discounts for seniors or students. As an added bonus you get to meet new people and have more networking opportunities. Some city buses have bike racks on the front, so you can take your bike with you.
If you need a second car, buy a gas sipper. You may need that mini-van for soccer games or when you are going on a trip, but having a small car, motorcycle, or a hybrid will keep your gas consumption down when you are traveling alone. If possible, purchase a standard transmission vehicle, they use less gasoline.
We consider our car transportation, and our truck a tool. We only drive the truck when we need it to haul materials.
Consider walking or bicycling. Not only will it keep you healthy, it will cost $0 in gas. If it's less than a mile, walk it!
Use your car wisely! Combine errands to get it all done in one trip! Make a good grocery list so you are not running to the store for small items.
Keep your car clean, and well maintained. If your tire pressure or oil is low, it's going to cost you at the pump.
Purchase gas wisely. Many grocery store chains are offering gas discounts as an incentive to purchase groceries at their location. This may or may add up to big savings to you. Do the math! If you are spending $20 more in gorceries each week, then the gas savings are not worth it.
Don't drive 10 miles out of the way to save a nickel per gallon. You may be buying your gas cheaper, but you are using more than you save!
Remember your trips are not all about the gasoline. If you can save $3 in parking by driving another mile, then the extra gasoline spent is worth it. Keep track of the price of your choices. A job that is an extra $1 an hour, may not be worth the extra mileage. Ask your boss about the option of working from home.
Keeping close track of your gasoline and transportation costs can help you make wiser choices. Remember the money is better in your pocket than theirs!
