Sticker shock at the gas pump is a big concern-especially for folks on fixed incomes. There ARE steps you can take to cut your fuel costs:
DRIVE LESS -
- You can get some good exercise and walk or bike, take the bus or train and, if you work, join a carpool. Parents can carpool their children to school with neighbors. Many companies with match employees with carpool routes!
- Combine errands - map out a route and cover all of your errands at once.
- Shop on line as much as possible.
SHOP CAREFULLY -
- Many gas credit cards offer discounts and rebates. Some grocery stores give points with purchase - the points can be used to buy gas. Some wholesale clubs offer discounted gas.
- See if your gas station charges less on certain days of the week OR less if you pay with cash.
- Fill up in the early morning or late evening - you will get more liquid gas and fewer vapors in your car. Fill up at a quarter tank for optimal fuel injection and thus better mileage. Don't top off - the extra gas is often wasted.
- Research the internet for the lowest fuel prices in your area.
MAINTAIN YOUR CAR -
- Get your car serviced regularly. Of particular importance are a clean air filter and a clean fuel filter.
- Change your oil every 5,000 miles and use synthetic oil if possible.
- Take the junk out of your car, get your tires aligned and make sure your tires are inflated to the proper pressure.
DRIVE SMARTLY -
- Maintain a steady speed AT or BELOW the speed limit. Use cruise control wherever possible.
- Avoid idling, weaving and generally you will use less gas if you drive without your air conditioner on.
- Avoid prolonged warm-up times and stop and start less - your foot on the brake means more gas used.
Cover & Rossiter helps our clients save money on taxes, investing, budgeting and expense planning. Call us at 302 656 6632 or email us at dburke@coverrossiter.com to learn what we can do for you.
See more articles from Cover & Rossiter at www.coverrossiter.com/.
You can see the original article published in the June edition of Vital! Magazine.
