How to Pay Less at the Pump

Gasoline prices are rising and we're cringing at the pump every time we fill 'er up. 

According to U.S. News and World Report, the U.S. average price per gallon reached a new high of $3.20 per gallon in March of this year and was expected to go up another 20 to 30 cents in the next month. Now we're paying anywhere from $3.85 to $3.99 per gallon.

But how serious are people willing to make changes in their driving habits?

Sixty-nine percent (69%) of people polled by AAA Western and Central New York said they are taking practical steps to cut down on fuel costs.  In another survey published by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, 52% of readers say the cost of gas has caused them to limit their driving.  11% have actually gone out and bought a more fuel efficient car. 12% plan to use other forms of transportation, such as a bus, light rail or a bicycle.

However, rising gasoline prices are not the only problem we have with our cars.

The average cost to own and operate a vehicle is 54.1 cents per mile, or $8,121 per year.  Consumers can save as much as $3,000 a year by switching from a large model to a smaller vehicle.  Driving an SUV 15,000 miles a year averages $10,448, compared with $8,644 for a minivan.

What can you do in the coming months as rising gas prices leave us little other choice than to change our lifestyles? 

•Purchase a car with a smaller, more fuel efficient engine.  In April 2008, sales of passenger cars shot up 5.5% nationally while SUV sales were down 17.4%. 

•Visit GasBuddy.com where you'll find the lowest gas prices within your zip code.  You'll be connected to an up-to-date list of gas stations near you that charge the lowest prices.

•Drive less and less and do more things closer to home. A recent Nielson Co. research project discovered 70% of U.S. consumers are condensing errands normally spread throughout the week to cut down on their drive time. Mainly, drive your auto for necessities . . . getting the kids to school and traveling to work.

•Check out the Smart car as a driving alternative.  The Smart car is a small, gas-sipping, two person vehicle that gets close to 40 miles per gallon on the highway.  Other alternative vehicles include gas saving hybrids . . . sedans and SUVs.  For some commuters a Vespa scooter is a smart option.

•Consider joining Flexcar.   With this method you'll have access to hundreds of Flexcar vehicles of various makes and models.  You reserve a car so it's available when you need it.  When you're finished with your errands and appointments, you return the car to its designated parking spot  so the next member can use the vehicle.  With Flexcar, you'll spend about $10 an hour for car usage without the responsibility of automobile ownership. 

•Get serious about making public transportation your major means of getting around.   In cities where light-rail is available, taking the train to work is increasing.   Others are using their bicycles more and more.  Nationwide, total bus departures rose by 13% this year.

•Join a carpool.   If you're interested in joining a carpool, your best choice is to visit eShare.com where you'll find others in your area with whom to carpool.  Presently, there are more than 100 new listings every 24 hours.

John
Email John:  johnsblog@teshmedia.com

For more information on living smarter, read my new book Intelligence For Your Life:  Powerful Lesson For Personal Growth.  You can purchase my book at your local bookstore or on line at Amazon.com or Barnes and Noble.

Comments

[hypnoman]

Some great consumer info you are giving us, thanks so much!