Gas Is Getting Cheaper; Don’t Backslide Now!

August 5th, 2008

Photo credit: gunnivb

Gas prices are starting to ease back a tad (let’s not jinx it) and as we start seeing the cost at the pump drop back down to “reasonable” levels, it may be tempting to also ease back on our improved driving habits. Yes, the idea of $3.50 gasoline makes for a much more pleasant summer trip – and there’s no reason not to take one – but don’t start undoing your day-to-day changes now!

There are a number of things that affect the price of gasoline, but there’s very little we can do individually to change it – at least not before it leaves the pump. Once you’ve paid whatever painful sum you were required for your tank of gas, it is up to you to conserve it and use it as cost-effectively as you can.

If you haven’t made many changes or if your changes haven’t done enough for you, it’s never too late to improve. Regardless of if gas costs just $2/gallon or $5/gallon, it makes sense to use as little as possible and pocket the savings. Here are some things you can do to improve your fuel efficiency.

Drive Smart

Like the saying goes, 90% of the total change can be made with 10% of the total effort, and the same goes with saving on gas. You don’t have to undergo radical change to start seeing real savings right away – you just have to do something. Here are a few suggestions to get you started.

Check gas prices before you leave home - If you’re already going to be out and about, you might as well plan where to buy your gas.
Keep your tires inflated - For the small cost of a tire pressure gauge and no more than a quarter at a gas station, you can have your tires properly inflated and save up to $65 per year.
Cut the aggressive driving - By gunning it at a green light only to hit the brakes for the next red light, you’re wasting an unbelievable amount of gas. Ease into acceleration and coast to slow down to save significantly.

Change Your Lifestyle

Once the “easy” steps are taken care of, there is still room to save more with a little more effort.

Switch to a four-day week work schedule - For some positions, working four 10-hour days is just as reasonable as working five 8-hour shifts. Not only will you beat the worst of rush hour on both legs of the trip, you’ll also cut one whole day’s worth of driving.
Start or join a carpool - Getting to work will be a bit slower and somewhat less convenient by having to manage the schedules for more than one person, but every body that occupies that car is one less that’s driving his own vehicle and burning his own gas. A four-person carpool can cut everyone’s gas bill by nearly 75%.
Try a new route to work - Just because you’ve always taken a specific route to work doesn’t mean it’s the fastest, shortest, or most cost-effective. Try out new routes and see which one is best for the time you leave to and from work. Chances are the best route for each leg of your trip won’t even be the same.

Try Something New

Who says you have to drive a car? Alternate modes of transportation are quickly gaining traction in the face of $4/gallon gasoline.

Don’t forget about public transportation - It can be inconvenient, but the cost and environmental savings you can make by switching to public transportation certainly add up. If there’s a bus or train that has a stop near your destination, consider making the switch.
Buy a scooter - I considered this early last year before gas prices rose to the “insane” level, but I didn’t have room in the budget for it at the time. I still think this is a good idea that you should pursue if you have a few extra thousand sitting around or if you can afford to sell a vehicle.
Ride a bike - As gas prices continue to rise (and they will again), you’ll see more and more bicycles on the road which will encourage communities to build bicycle-friendly roads. Early adopters, such as me, are paving a way to cleaner and far cheaper transportation.

Keep Track of Your MPG

None of the changes you make will mean anything if you don’t track how much they actually save you. The easiest way to recognize your savings is to track your miles per gallon. I usually check mine every time I fill up the tank by checking how many miles I made it on the last take and how many gallons were needed to fill the tank. The method works, but it only shows you your overall MPG and it’s only helpful if you fill up the tank every time. Alternatively, you can purchase and install an MPG meter that can give you live MPG readings and it will let you see how your every action affects your overall MPG.