|
High gas prices getting you down? Here are some savings strategies
by Rebecca Klein
How does $1.51 per gallon of gas sound? Practically free?
Believe it or not, that was the average price for regular unleaded self-serve in Maryland just five years ago during the summer of 2003, according to AAA Mid-Atlantic. On the summer day we checked, the state average skyrocketed to $4.05 a gallon.
“I really feel helpless,” describes Baltimore mom of three, Renata Seergae, of the spike. “It’s sad that as a parent you have to tell your kids you can’t take a trip to have fun, because you can’t afford the gas to do it.”
We went in search of strategies to help you save money —whether you’re going on a day trip or a trek across the country. The following sites offer tips on how to estimate the cost of your trip based on your car and the day’s prices, where to find the cheapest gas around, and how to make the gas you pump into your car get more mileage.
After you plug in your starting point, destination and details on your car, this AAA site calculates the estimated cost of your round trip. If you run the numbers before the day of your drive, you’re encouraged to revisit the site. The price projection is based on the day’s average gas prices. You’ll also find a link to the day’s average prices nationwide and in each state.
Are you getting the most bang for your buck when it comes to gas mileage? This EPA site includes tips on how to reduce how much gas you use, including to avoid aggressive driving and to follow the speed limit. It’s not only a matter of safety. According to the site, aggressive driving can reduce your gas mileage up to 33 percent on the highway and 5 percent around town. Sensible driving can save you $0.20 to $1.35 per gallon. When it comes to speeding, the site states, “You can assume that each 5 mph you drive over 60 mph is like paying an additional $0.30 per gallon for gas.”
If you’re on the market for a new car, fueleconomy.gov allows you to do a mileage per gallon comparison. You’ll also find links to many other gas related websites, including ones to help you find the cheapest gas in your neighborhood or where you are visiting.
Click on any part of the animated car on this Federal Trade Commission page to learn how regular maintenance and driving efficiently can help you save money on gas. For example, you’re encouraged to combine errands: “Several short trips taken from a cold start can use twice as much fuel as one trip covering the same distance when the engine is warm.”
The American Public Transportation Association offers the resources you need to help you “dump the pump” and look into public transportation alternatives. In the category bar at the top of the page, click on Transit Systems, and you can check out public transportation options in your community.
If you’ve found any gas related websites to be helpful, please email us at info@ModernBabiesAndChildren.com.
