Fuel And Money Saving Tips
1.
How can I save money on gas?
With gas prices reaching record levels, it's more important than ever to keep
tabs on your gas spending. Although one of the easiest ways to save money on
gas is to shop around, by using this web site. But there are a number of other
things that you can do to keep some of that hard earned money in your pocket,
instead of big oils'.
2.
Change the way in which you drive
Many people burn much more gas than
they have to. By making a few small adjustments in the way that you drive, you
can see considerable fuel savings. Most vehicles today are set to achieve
opimal fuel economy around 55mph. If you drive too fast or too slow, you won't
be able to maximize your fuel savings. Also, don't accelerate or brake too
hard - this is very hard on fuel economy.
See
GasBuddy.com's top ten fuel saving tips
.
3.
Learn where to find the cheap gas
In most regions, you will find the
cheapest gas prices in the same areas. In major metro areas, this seems to be
outlying suburbs. It is best to avoid affluent areas when looking for a cheap
fill. People in these areas are less price sensitive, and the gas stations
realize this fact. Not only that, the gas stations are located on more valuable
land, and land taxes will be higher. They pass on these higher costs to
customers. Gas stations near major freeway exits can be more expensive than
stations further away. It can pay to drive a few blocks from the freeway to
find a deal.
4.
Find the right type of station
Some stations are always the price
leaders in the area. Often times wholesale clubs, grocery stores or department
stores with gas stations will sell gas close to cost or at a loss (loss
leader), in order to get people into the stores where they may buy other,
higher margin items. Some of these places require memberships. The cost of the
membership must be factored into the price. Some of these stations also give
you a credit for in store purchases when you fill up with gas. This can result
in considerable indirect savings. Service stations, with an auto repair shop on
site, often have more expensive gas.
5.
Take advantage of discounts available
Many stations have coupons
available for discounts on gas purchases. These coupons can be found in various
places, like the back side of grocery store receipts, in the mail coupons,
internet coupons. Many stations will give you a discount on gas with the
purchase of a car wash, or visa versa. A great way to save money on gas is by
using a gas rebate credit card. The
Discover® Open Road Card - $75
Restaurant.com
Gift Certificate gives you 2% Cashback Bonus automatically at any gas station and any restaurant.
Up to 1% unlimited Cashback bonus on all other purchases.
6.
Find other ways to get to work
One of the best ways to lower your fuel
expenses, is to carpool to work. You can reduce the inconvenience by sharing a
ride with someone that works at the same company, and lives near your home.
Many companies have a bulletin board, or Intranet web site where you may be
able to find someone to carpool with. Another great option is public
transporation. Passes are usually available at discounted rates. Although you
have to pay to use public transporation, is usually much less expensive than
driving to work, and paying for parking (where applicable). Some other options
are walking, or riding bike to work. Both of these options have the added
benefit of giving you exercise; however, you must live relatively close to work
to be able to do this, and you are well advised to ensure that you have access
to a shower at work!
7.
Purchase a more fuel efficient vehicle
Many vehicles are getting worse
fuel economy than vehicles of the past. Auto manufacturers are putting larger
engines in bigger vehicles, which results in unsatisfactory fuel economy. Many
SUV's get 15-20 MPG (some even worse). A new wave of hybrid gas/electric
vehicles are on the market, and some of them get 45+ MPG. Although their
manufacturers say that they get nearly 60MPG, the Honda Insight and the Toyota
Prius actually get around 45MPG in real world tests. This is still 3 times the
fuel economy on some of the big SUV's and can lead to huge savings. Keep in
mind that unless you do a lot of driving, it may be difficult to save enough
money to justify paying the premiums that these vehicles command at the
dealership. There are a number of other non-hybrid vehicles available that can
save you a lot of money at the pump.