With the increasing rise in gas prices, it isn’t always easy to make ends meet. Gas is something that we all need if we want to get from one place to another. Gas seems like a catch 22, if you don’t buy it you are stranded. If you buy it, you risk going broke. There are many ways that you can save money on gas and they don’t take a lot of effort or extra time.
Comparison shop. Sometimes, it is worth going an extra block to save two pennies on a gallon. Obviously, you shouldn’t drive ten miles out of your way to save a few pennies but if a cheaper option isn’t that far away, you should go with it.
Unless your car just won’t run on it, use cheaper grade gas. Go with the regular grade rather than the premium. In many cases, this is ten or more cents cheaper. This type of savings can add up and in most cases it can work just as well.
Go to a self-serve pump. You pay a lot extra when you let someone else pump your gas. Don’t be so lazy that you have to sit in the car while someone else fills up your gas tank.
Conserve the gas you do have. Only go where you need to. Don’t run all your gas out running around or cruising. Run all errands in one trip. Get all you need while you are out.
Rather than running out of your way everyday to take kids to school, let them ride the bus. Many schools run buses in all directions and your tax money is likely paying for it. You might as well take advantage of it.
If you work with several people that live in your area, check into the idea of carpooling. Sharing transportation with others is an option that can go a long way. If you are all going in the same direction anyhow, it is easier to chip in on gas or alternate vehicles weekly. This way everyone wins.
There are many products that you can use to mix with your gas. They will help improve your gas mileage. You can also keep your car maintained. Keep your tires balanced and pay attention to the general upkeep of your vehicle. Don’t make your gas work harder than it has to.
Motorcycles can get great gas mileage. You can save a lot of money traveling back and forth this way. You can also do away with gas all together by using a bicycle to get back and forth when going shorter distances. Walking is another great way to save gas money and you will reap the health benefits also.
Check into the options of public transportation. You can ride buses, trolleys and other modes of transport. In many cases, they are cheaper if not free. Rather than driving for vacation, opt taking a plane or train. There are many discount ways that you can travel without spending a lot of money.
There are many alternative methods that you can use that don’t require spending money on gas at all. Consider investing in an electric or solar powered car. These can be very costly though so if you don’t have that kind of money this might not be an option.
Spending a fortune on gas seems inevitable but it truly does not have to be. Plan ahead and think of alternate possibilities before you shell out a lot of money for gas. Smart spending can often mean that you should just practice smart thinking. It’s not that hard to save money on gas, you just need to be willing to try new options and do more thinking outside of the box.