Gas Saving Tips

Home Home and Auto Automobiles Fuel Gas Saving Tips

We are in a rural area and the nearest city is 15 miles away. Though I am a stay at home mom, it's the trips in and out of the city that put a lot of miles on my van (and put me at the gas pump more frequently) . To save, I am making more of an effort to consolidate trips- do all my in-town errands in one day. I also discovered that a local university runs a free shuttle bus between the campus out this way and the in-town Campus (within walking distance of many businesses). I haven't used the shuttle yet but am considering trying it.
Kathy G.

A few years ago we traded in our car that didn't get that good of gas mileage for a smaller, more environmentally safe car. We got a Mazda Protege and even with air conditioning we average around 36-40 miles to the gallon. We conserve our fuel by driving less. We do this by only having one car and planning our trips when we have to run errands. Grocery shopping is combined with other errands so we can shop weekly and just use the car for my husband to get back and forth to work. Unfortunately where we live there are no stores within walking distance and his commute is 9 miles each way. Another way we conserve fuel is to keep our car in top running order. Tires are inflated to the proper gauge and we change the oil every 3000 miles. We recently had the alignment checked as that has an effect on gas mileage also. We also decided to get a manual transmission instead of an automatic, this helps a bit also.
Sue H.

In a 2 person working family with jobs in opposite directions, it is hard to cut our gas use to get to and from work and childcare. But we do apply 3 methods to cut down on gas cost and usage -

First, we find and support the cheapest places for gas in town. The more gas a station sells helps the station purchase gas at a lower price plus maintain a bigger gas storage tank (so more gas can be purchased at one time - again for a lower price). Obviously, by offering such low prices the station owner is passing some of the savings on to you - only your dollar can cast a "vote" to support for lowest possible prices. We have used the "cheap" gas for years and have yet to see an ill-effect on our cars (which we keep for 8-10 years then give to someone in need (like a student, church worker or military friend). We even hear our give-away cars do pretty well, too, in terms of repair.

Next, we run errands during one trip or on the way to/from work rather than coming home and then running a different errand each night. This can save at least 25 miles a week of driving for us (plus cuts about an extra 25 miles a week of wear and tear on your car (1300 miles/year) and one less gallon of gas per week.

Finally, we car pool with other parents for after school events and church events (again, reduce another 25 miles a week of wear and tear on your car (1300 miles/year) and one less gallon of gas per week).
Martha C.

Use public transportation to and from work and my oldest uses public transportation to get to and from high school. We also don't go out as much and try to patronize very local retailers, etc.
Joan L.

I live in San Jose, CA, and gas prices here are just as scary (perhaps scarier!) as everywhere else.

To economize, I've been combining errands and have started shopping more at stores that are along my daughter's lengthy preschool commute. Also, after recently being without a car for almost 4 weeks (husband's old clunker was on the blink), we've gotten into the habit of walking more places. We're lucky to live in a neighborhood where many stores and services are within walking distance. And it's good exercise, too- walking my daughter to and from day camp one week added up to 14 miles of badly needed exercise!
Laurel B.

Buy only the regular unleaded. My car actually performs worse on the high grade stuff, and I believe this is true for many other cars as well.

Keep track of your mileage. Every time I fill up, I write down the date, the # of gallons, the mileage on the odometer, and the price. I periodically calculate the miles per gallon to make sure that nothing is wrong with the car, and to keep track of my spending.

Keep your car in good repair. When my mileage starts going down significantly, I know that something isn't right, even if nothing is making any weird noises. I also religiously change the oil every 3000 miles, and check the tire pressure routinely as well.
Bridget S.

I live in Northern California, in a suburb just west of Sacramento. The entire region has exceedingly high gas prices.

My husband and I are making fewer unnecessary trips. Fortunately, he rides his bike to work 90% of the year; and I work only 10 miles from the house. We live in Davis, CA - a city that has excellent resources for bicycling (wide bike lanes, special bike paths). And we don't have kids yet (newlyweds). But we are conscious of the situation. I am also planning on giving both of our cars at least an oil-change soon, so that they guzzle gas a little more efficiently.
Noel-Kristine B.
Davis, CA

I live in eastern Massachusetts. I have a new car and that is the gas recommended by the manufacturer. I save by trying to fill up once a week at a gas station that I know sells at a lower price. This way, I do not get caught without gas and have to pay a higher price for the convenience. Scout out the stations around your house or on roads you travel often and note the prices, soon you will know where the best deals are. Also, check for "super Sunday" or "super Tuesday" sales that the stations have, if you like the higher octane gasoline, this is a good way to buy it. The discount is worthwhile. Finally, pump your own, it is cheaper! Many people say the more expensive gasolines are a rip-off unless your car knocks and needs a cleaning.
Patricia

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