How To Save On Gas

Gas prices continue to rise here in
Missouri and I'm sure elsewhere across
the country.

We all have our thoughts and ideas as
to why and who is to blame.

I constantly hear people calling for a
boycott at the pumps. Will this help?

I personally don't think it will. When
you boycott a product or company, you
make a decision to either use a different
brand/type of product or to purchase from
another company.

Can we do this with gas? I don't really
see how - while we may pick certain days
to "boycott" and not fill up our tanks,
at some point (the next day or two) we
will be back at the pump.

So here is my list of ways to help others
save money on gas. We may not be able
to do without it, but we can cut back on
how much we use.

1) Drive Less: Yes this is easier
said than done. Try combining errands into
one day rather than over different days of
the week.

2) Carpool: This one is more geared
to the workforce. IF your job allows, try to
find others you work with to share rides.
Not only will this save money on gas, it will
save wear and tear on your vehicle.

Many cities have ride-share programs set up.
Normally you can get the information from
road signs along major interstates.

3) Drive Smaller Vehicles: I know how
many people love their SUV's and trucks but
be honest, they are not cost effective. Myself,
I drive a minivan but I am looking into
purchasing a small compact car to run around
in.

4) Tune Up: How is your car running? By
getting your car running in top condition (or as
close as you can), you can considerably save on
gas consumption.

5) Extra Weight: Are you carrying extra
weight around in your vehicle (golf clubs, sand
bags you put in the trunk for weight during the
last snowstorm, just plain junk)?

The heavier your vehicle is, the more power it
takes to move it. With this in mind, clean out
that suitcase you call a trunk.

6) Air Conditioning: There was an episode
of Myth Busters on The Discovery Channel (I missed it
but my wife filled me in) where they tested the
"myth" that it takes more gas to run the air cond
in your car than to drive with the windows down.

Their conclusion: The wind resistance put on your car
with the windows down (the wind blowing in and
hitting the back window) uses more gas than driving
with the air conditioner running.

Like I said, this is their conclusion, not mine.
It does make sense though. Of course, if you can
get by without either using the a/c or the windows
down, this would be your best bet.

7) Slow Down: Studies have proven over and
over that slowing down saves gas. With most
interstate highways at 70 MPH, try cutting back to
60. If it feels like everyone is passing you like
you are sitting still, try 65 MPH and then see if
you can drop from there.

Remember, none of these are going to save you a
ton of money, but every little bit helps.