Smart Ideas to Save Gas
When are we going to get back to the days of $.99/gallon for gas?? Probably never. Its a fact of life that we have to deal with. Gas is expensive and will probably keep getting more expensive. We all need to learn to conserve gas in our own way. Here are some tips to help get you started:
Don't Drive as Much
- Use Alternatives - You pay for public transporation with your tax dollars, so why not use it. Try riding a bike, forming a carpool or even walking (it's not that far).
- Combine Trips - Pick up your cleaning and drop the kids at school on your way to the grocery store instead of making a separate trip. Bed Bath and Beyond, Target, Lamps Plus , and Lowes aren't that far from each other. Plan out your trips for the week and cut back.
- Choose Closer Locations - This goes along with combining trips, if you can find what you want where you are already going, do it. Don't spend your gas driving all over town when everything is in the strip mall right around the corner. Patronize your second favorite restraunt, the one around the corner, instead of the one across town.
- No More Parking Lot Surfing - Do you really need to park (20 feet|thrity feet|40 feet|six spaces|five spaces} closer to the entrance? Just park in the first space you find. Circling the parking lot is a waste of time and gas.
- Rent a Car - Planning a long trip, consider renting a car that gets better gas mileage. Shop around and take advantage of coupons for Avis. It will definitely save you money on gas, maybe even enough to pay for the rental of the car or even put money in your pocket.
Shop Around
- Pay Attention to Prices - Gas prices vary a lot from station to station and brand to brand so pay attention to all the gas stations that you pass on your way to work.
- Not the Lowest Price - Don't try and find the "best" price around if it is going to cost you more in gas to get to the station than you are going to save with their price.
- Take Advantage of Perks - Get FREE gas with credit cards from the big oil companies. Some supermarket loyalty cards give you a discount on gas and you will have the added bonus on not having to make an extra trip.
- Buy on Thursday - For some reason, gas prices vary during the week. They are usually cheaper mid-week. This is not always the case, but will make a little difference over the long run.
Maintain Your Car
- Get a Tune Up - If your car is running more efficiently, you'll use less gas.
- Maintenace - Do the little things. Change the oil, change the air filter, fill the tires with air and keep the car clean. Save some money on your auto maintenance with Coupons for Auto Parts Warehouse.
It all sounds like common sense, right? I'm sure you can come up with a few more tips. Feel free to leave a comment and share your bestideas.

