Ways to Save Money on Gas

by Kate Krajnik

With gas prices rising again, everyone is worrying about how the cost of gas is going to affect their family budget. Some economists even predict gas prices to rise to $5 dollars a gallon by mid-summer. With the turmoil in the Middle East and specualtion in the stock market, no one really knows how this situation is going to end. In the US many people feel they are helpless when it comes to rising gas prices. However, there are some things you can do about it.

#1 Drive Less

This is the most obvious solution to the inflation we are experiencing in the price of gas lately. Reduce the amount of time you use your vehicle, and you reduce the cost of gas it uses. Make a point to walk or bike to the local store or market for the things you need on a daily basis. Give your car a rest and exercise those leg muscles.

#2

Organize a carpool to and from work. If your place of employment is further away than it is possible to bike or walk to, talk to your coworkers. Do they live near you? Do they live in a place where you could drive to their house and park your car to co-drive to work? Taking turns on the cost of driving could save a significant amount of money for all those involved in your carpool.

#3

Drive more effiently. Reduce your speed on roadways and do some research on routes to and from work that will avoid your vulerability to traffic jams. Drive slower. According to www.fueleconomy.gov "You can assume that each 5 mph you drive over 60 mph is like paying an additional $0.31 per gallon for gas." Avoid idling your car for excessive amounts of time. Use your cruise control to keep a constant speed.

Be aware of the things you do everyday. Think about how you can rework your daily plans and errands to save gas, and money.