If you have not noticed, the price of gasoline is on the rise, again. I am seeing over $3.15 per gallon for the cheap stuff. That means everything that I buy from clothing to toilet paper is going to rise. The family income is going to stay the same, if not lower. This is making it harder for everyone to live, again.
We have already cut our driving to a little as possible. We are down to one tank of gas for 2 weeks. I take my two wheeled peddle driven bike whenever I can. This is becoming not enough. We are having to pay more and more to drive our family vehicle the minimum.
My dad was a firm believer in the use of STP for stretching gas mileage. My brother swears by Marvel Mystery Oil. Then there is new chemicals to add to your gas tank that claim saving properties, like Extreme Fuel Treatment. Each making their own claims to increasing the miles per gallon of most any vehicle. A more detailed look at these are for future posts.
I have just put $40 on gas in my mini van. It has to last us until next payday. I really don’t have the $4 to $15 extra to try any of these gas additives. My family is going to start to hate me if I tell them we are going to have to start walking the 2.5 miles to the grocery store. What do I do?
Well, there are a few basic driving habits that can make a difference in the number of miles your car can get for a gallon of gas.
- Plan Trips – I am sure we have all heard about planning our driving according to the shortest possible route. How about planning those trips according to when traffic is going to be light. Light traffic means less riding the brake pedal, when traffic is moving show. This also means arriving early to work. Bosses like when employees are at work early ready to start their shift.
- Don’t Race the Engine - Racing the engine and then quickly shut your car off does wastes gas. This pumps raw gasoline into the cylinder walls. The of film of oil that protects the cylinders can be washed away, resulting increase engine wear.
- Tire Pressure – This is a big one. I under inflated tires will make you car work harder. I have noticed this on my bicycle. If its’ tires are under inflated I have to work harder on the peddles.
For more detailed tips on stretching your gas mileage go to Care2.com and eHow.com. Now if you want to know where the cheapest gas is in your area check out GasBuddy.com.
I want to know ways in which you stretch your gas dollar. Let your comments. I really want to know.
