How to save gas money

Despite the high gasoline prices, we still drive.  In fact, according to the California Energy Commission, California alone uses 20 billion gallons of gas per year, which is more gasoline than any other country in the world (except for the United States). It is costly, wasteful, and harmful to the environment, but let’s face it – it is not that easy to curb our mileage when driving is so easy. Until we find a stable alternative, driving will be our primary choice of transportation.

Instead of listing alternative transportation, here are other ways to save money and begin curbing your gas consumption:

• Don’t warm up your car.  Yahoo! states that skipping idling can save up to $60 of gas money per year. Plus, idling emits more greenhouse gas emissions into the air and reduces the efficiency of your car
• Carpool.  Driving with friends, co-workers, or others saves money and time
• Keep your distance in traffic.  Constant stop-and-go is costly.  Instead of trailing close behind in traffic, pay attention to the line ahead of you to anticipate how much acceleration and braking is needed. You’ll be more gas-efficient by easing off the accelerator and brake pedal
• Turn the car off.  A California Energy Commission study shows that idling for 10 seconds or longer uses more gas than turning the car off and on
• Check your tires.  Misaligned and deflated tires force a car’s engine to work harder. The Daily Green notes that straightening the tires’ alignment can save up to 20 cents per gallon, and pumping up tires can save 6 cents per gallon 
• Use a gas card.  Many oil and credit card companies offer gas cards with cash back rewards

Of course, the best way to save gas would be turning to alternative forms of transportation, such as walking, biking, or catching a bus.   But for those of us that rely on cars, we can still make a difference in our environment while maintaining our budget.