Coping with High Fuel Costs How high can the prices go?

 

 

It hurts to pay so much for gas every week. To a degree, we have no choice: we have to drive. But when we can, there are some ways to reduce how much time we spend behind the steering wheel.

• Carpool whenever possible. Whether to work or just running the kids to their lessons and activities, you can conserve gas by arranging a carpool with coworkers or friends. When everyone takes a turn driving the whole group rather than taking separate vehicles, everyone saves money and it's better for the environment, too.
• Use people power. For short jaunts, walk or ride a bicycle. You'll save gas, wear and tear on your vehicle, and you'll get healthier in the process!

 

 

• Try to combine your errands into fewer trips. Instead of running out several times a week, try to make all of your stops in one well-planned trip.
• Buy in bulk. Buy nonperishable items in bulk to save trips to the store. Make a list so that when you do go, you'll get everything you need.  If you watch the sales, you will save money both on gas and on your purchases as well.
• Fuel mileage matters. When shopping for a new or used vehicle, pay close attention to the all-important fuel mileage numbers. The difference of even a few miles per gallon is quite significant when you consider that you will be putting thousands of miles on your car. You may also want to consider purchasing a hybrid or alternative fuel vehicle.
• Keep up with basic car maintenance. Getting regular tune-ups will not only make your car more reliable, it will make it burn gas more efficiently, too. Be certain that your air filters are clean--diminished air flow will cost you money at the pump.
• Read your owner's manual and always use the manufacturer's recommended grade of motor oil--this will improve your gas mileage by 1 to 2 percent. When possible, choose an oil that is labeled "energy conserving." Those oils contain friction-reducing additives.
• Pump up your tires. Keep your tires inflated to the manufacturer's recommendations. Soft, under-inflated tires make the car work harder, burning more gas.
• Slow down. Cruising down the highway at 55 miles per hour is much more cost efficient than racing to your destination. Even a small difference in speed makes a noticeable improvement; maintaining your speed at 55 is 15% more efficient than driving at 65. You'll conserve gas and possibly save yourself from getting a very expensive traffic ticket!
• Start and stop gently. Ease onto the gas pedal when starting rather than punching the accelerator. When coming to a stop, ease off the gas pedal in advance and coast a little.
• Shut off the engine. If you have to wait for more than two minutes, it is cost efficient to shut off the engine. Restarting burns less fuel that idling for that long.
• Get the best buy at the pump. Fill your gas tank at the coolest times of day--usually early morning or late evening. Gas is denser at these times and gasoline is sold by volume, so you'll actually get more gas for your money!

Published 03/21/08