•
Debt Consolidation - Ways to Save on High Gas Prices
Posted in Finance
August 21, 2010
Memorial Day has come and gone, and the great American travel
season is here. During the summer, most Americans take at least
one extended vacation, and four fifths take that trip by
automobile. Unfortunately, this year, the price of gas is near
record highs, and no one likes to spend their vacation money on
gasoline. While there is little to be done about the price of
gas itself, there are some things the average vacationer can do
to help ease the costs of auto travel.
Tune up the
car. Making sure that your car is running at its best will help
you achieve better gas mileage. In addition to tuning up your
car, you should also check to make sure that your tires are
inflated to their proper pressure.
Other small
things that can help with gas mileage are keeping your car
washed and waxed and keeping your luggage inside of your
vehicle. Bicycles, luggage, and canoes tied on top create
additional air resistance, which increases gas
consumption.
Make sure that your air conditioner
works properly. While the use of your air conditioner increases
gas consumption, it's better than driving with your windows
open.
If you have a credit card that offers a
cashback bonus, such as the Discover card, use that for gas
purchases instead of an oil company credit card. Discover even
offers a credit card now that is made especially for gas
purchases. It offers a larger cashback bonus for than the
regular Discover card.
Some gas stations offer a
lower price if you pay cash. If that's the case, then pay
cash.
Shop around. The gas stations closest to
the Interstate may not have the lowest prices. You might save a
bit by purchasing your gas a bit further from the
highway.
Drive at or near the speed limit. Most
cars get better gas mileage at 55 miles per hour than they do at
70.
Shop around before you travel. There are
several Websites, such as GasPriceWatch.com, that can show you
gas prices throughout your travel route.
Each of the
items listed above will offer a slight savings in the price of
gasoline or in gas consumption. The effect of each one may be
small, but the cumulative effect should be noticeable. And every
penny you save on gas is a penny you can spend on a memorable
souvenir, instead.
About the author:
©Copyright 2005 by Retro Marketing. Charles Essmeier is the
owner of Retro Marketing, a firm devoted to informational
Websites, including End-Your-Debt.com, a site devoted to debt consolidation and
credit counseling, and HomeEquityHelp.net, a site devoted to
information regarding home equity loans.
Author: Charles Essmeier