It seems like every few months prices at the pump hit a new all time high, which means your bank account is hitting an all time low. If you’re a typical American consumer that relies on your car for everything from your daily commute to yearly summer vacations, your gas budget is wearing thin. Saving money on gas may seem laughable, but the truth is there are ways to save your family money- even when it comes to the pump.

Drive smarter. Speeding and frequent braking are more than just safety hazards- they actually drain your gas tank. You can improve your gas mileage by as much as 7mpg just by maintaining a steady speed, so take advantage of your cruise control feature and settle in for the ride. Be conscious of how often you are using your air conditioning- just cooling your car can use up to 8% of the gas you have in your tank. If the weather is cooperating, roll down your windows and enjoy the breeze on your face. Pay attention to where you park your car, since the heat from the sun (regardless of the temperature outside) will cause gas to evaporate from the tank. If possible, park underneath a shady tree or in a parking garage. And most importantly, consolidate your daily and weekly errands to eliminate unnecessary trips and make sure to walk from store to store whenever possible.

Be smart about purchasing gas. Purchasing gas on Wednesdays has been found to be cheaper than other days of the week. Also avoid filling up your tank around the holidays- purchasing gas approximately three days before the holiday occurs will ensure you get the best deal. Try to break the habit of only putting a few dollars of gas in your car at a time- each additional time you return to the gas station to fill up is wasting more gas. Check out websites like gasbuddy.com and gaspricewatch.com to find the best deals in your area- you can even sign up for text messages alerts that will give you information on where to find the lowest price. Don’t forget to change your oil regularly and check your tire pressure- these things can affect mileage by 5% or more.

Drive less. Ultimately, the best way to save your family money on gas is to use your car less. Depending on your lifestyle, you may choose to become a one-car family, or even buy a house closer to your work. Take advantage of mass transportation options that are available in your city- bus, metro, subway, or the train are all economical options and offer a variety of schedules and routes. In addition, many companies offer programs that will subsidize mass transportation use by its employees. Reach out to coworkers about setting up a carpool arrangement, and ask your human resource department for information on connecting with employees may be interested. Talk to other parents in your neighborhood about carpooling your children that attend the same school or participate in activities like piano lessons and soccer teams.

How far you choose to take this is up to you- just remember that even little changes can make a big difference over time.

Posted in Home Budget

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