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Save Gas: Strategies to Cut Fuel Costs and Boost Efficiency

Save Gas: Strategies to Cut Fuel Costs and Boost Efficiency
With the price of gas so high, you've probably seen a few hundred articles on how to save it. The frugal among us have known for years that you don't gun the engine just so you can slam on the brakes at the next stop light, and you don't drive unnecessarily, and you don't drive around with the car (or truck) loaded with things you're not using or transporting from here to there. That just makes good sense. But now it's getting serious. The price of gas keeps... well, I was going to say "crawling," but it's more like leaping upwards. This upward bounding might slow down and even stop, (we can dream) but the chance of the price going back down, at least to any appreciable amount, is pretty small. So... we're stuck with high and higher gas prices. Is there any reasonable thing we can do to help our fuel budgets? "Reasonable" may be in the eye of the doer, but there are definitely things we can do to cut back how much we're spending for transportation. Try these out:
  • Walk. Yes, your own two feet can take you places you might never have thought about. To the store, even to the neighbor's a mile away. To the park and home again. To work, to school, to church, to the other side of town. You'll see a lot more and enjoy the trip.
  • Bike. As in bicycle, moped, motorcycle, scooter. Even if you opt for a gasoline engine, a motorbike will use a lot less than a four-wheeled vehicle. Be sure to learn the rules and get the proper licensing, then get out and go. Feel the wind in your face and the sun on your back.
  • Ride the bus. Or the tram, or whatever public transportation is available. It might not be so convenient as a car, but it sure isn't so expensive to take the trip. In most places, it's good exercise, too, getting to the bus stop and back again. Plus, you'll meet new people. Smile. It's good for you.
  • When you must go in a private vehicle, share the ride when possible. If you can't do that, make the trip count by running every errand you can. Think ahead to the next few days or weeks and do everything on the same trip when that's possible.
  • Plan your route so you don't run in circles or have to double back. Stick to your plan.
  • Stay home. If you don't have to go anywhere, don't. Don't run to the store for milk one day and bread the next. Don't decide to go to the park across town when there's one within walking distance. Don't drive to the post office when the mailman will pick up the mail. Just don't.
  • Save gas around the house. Yes, it's possible to mow your lawn with a reel mower and use a rake (not a gas-powered leaf blower) to clean up the leaves. Smile again - this too is good for you.
  • Keep your vehicles well maintained and tuned up to get the best mileage possible. Go ahead and read those other articles on saving gas, then follow the tips.
  How much do you want to save? It all adds up, and it's all ultimately under your control.
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