Get a Plan – Map your Route and Save Some Gas Money

Just a few years ago, you could fill the gas tank of the average family sedan for about twenty dollars. These days, you would be lucky to get away with about fifty dollars! There has to be an easier way to save money on gasoline. You could trade your car in for a hybrid vehicle but what if you are stuck with the car or truck you have now? While hybrids are the answer for the future, you need a solution for the here and now. Luckily, there are quite a few things you can do to conserve fuel and keep the costs down at the gas pumps.

First of all, get a plan! Decide where you are going and map your route to maximize efficiency. Instead of running a whole bunch of errands throughout your week, try and plan an errand day, routing your trip. By getting all your driving done in one day, the other days your car is at rest and therefore not wasting gasoline. If planning an errand day is not an option for you, map out a route to or from work, incorporating your errands. The point is, why go out of your way when you don’t have to?

Scheduling your time is important as well. The longer you are in your car, the more gas your car is consuming. This translates into filling up your tank more often and spending money that could be best used on something else. By planning ahead, you can avoid rush hour traffic and sitting in a virtual parking lot on the highway during your commute. Knowing the peak times when traffic is at its worst also helps you in mapping out your routes as well. Sometimes, you can take alternate courses of action if you are thrown off your schedule, whether you are running late, there’s road construction or an accident is slowing down traffic. It’s all a matter of timing.

Hang up your car keys and get some exercise. Many people drive when they could be walking or biking, especially if the destination is nearby. Instead of driving your child to school, hop on bikes instead. Many parents who live within a few blocks of school these days now will escort their child via bicycle on good weather days. In addition, walking is another great way to get where you are going. In either case, you are saving money on gasoline and gaining some valuable one-on-one time with your child. They will love those special moments with you.

Utilizing public transportation, car pooling and delivery services will save you money on fuel costs. If you work in a large city area, look into routes that bus lines or the light rail takes. In addition, many places have car pooling or van pools that commute from the suburbs into the city. Not only will you save wear and tear on your car, you will save money on gas and have some extra time to yourself to enjoy a cup of coffee or read the paper. You can also eliminate some of the errands on your to-do list by enlisting a delivery service. Some dry cleaning and laundry places now delivery right to your door. Grocery stores and pharmacies sometimes will do the same.

Proper vehicle maintenance can keep a few bucks in your pocket instead of your gas tank. Check all fluids regularly from the oil to the radiator. Check for leaks. Basically, it is a matter of moving your car and inspecting the ground underneath. If there are any discolorations, you may have a fluid leak of some kind. Your brakes, steering, radiator and engine all have fluids to keep your vehicle well lubed. When there is a leak, your car has to work harder to maintain its performance, which translates into increased fuel consumption.

Tire performance can also play a part in your bottom line. Check the air pressure in your tires weekly to ensure proper pressure. In addition, every time you get your oil changed, be sure to have your tires rotated as well. Sometimes, it is a free service thrown in and other times you might have to pay a nominal fee. By rotating your tires, you are ensuring an even wear on them, which translates into better gas performance. There are a number of other things you can do to stretch that tank of gas and save a little money. All it takes is a little ingenuity and the tenacity to stick to a plan.