Debt Management ? More Ways to Save on Gas Consumption

The price of gas continues to climb, and with continued uncertainty in the Middle East, they will probably continue to do so. In California and elsewhere, prices for some grades of gas have now reached the previously unthinkable three dollars a gallon. Granted, that is lower than the inflation-adjusted prices of early 1981, but that doesn't make anyone feel better when they've just paid nearly $100 to fill the tank of their sport utility vehicle.

In a previous article, we offered some solutions as to how the average consumer can either save on gas prices or use less gas. These tips included using credit cards with cashback rebates, keeping your car tuned and tires inflated, and keeping the car washed and waxed, which reduces drag. Here are a few additional tips which will help ease the strain of filling your tank.

  • Empty your trunk. Some people drive around with their trunks nearly full with things that just don't need to be there. Sure, you need a jack and a spare, but do you really need a toolbox, golf clubs, and that pile of old clothes you've been meaning to drop off at the Salvation Army? Any extra weight you carry requires additional energy to make your car or SUV move. Lighten the load and your engine won't work as hard or use as much fuel.

  • Drive efficiently. That means accelerating gradually, rather than speeding out of an intersection. Your car uses fuel more effectively when you gradually accelerate. Once you achieve your desired speed, keep it steady, using cruise control if you have it. Speeding up and slowing down only uses more gas.

  • Shift appropriately if you're driving a car with a manual transmission. Shift at the factory recommended shift points, rather than running your tachometer all the way up before shifting. Your car runs best within a fairly narrow RPM range.

    • Each of these tips offers a small saving in fuel consumption. When combined with others, they add up and can produce significant savings. If you can increase your fuel consumption by just two miles per gallon, you can save $30-40 on a 1000-mile trip in your SUV. When you're paying $3.09 per gallon, every penny counts.

    ©Copyright 2005 by Retro Marketing. Charles Essmeier is the owner of Retro Marketing, a firm devoted to informational Websites, including End-Your-Debt.com, a site devoted to establishing credit, debt consolidation and credit counseling.

    In The News:

    pen paper and inkwell


    cat break through


    If I Had a Structured Settlement, I Would Use It to Pay for Gas

    Has anyone been to the gas pumps lately? Soon $3... Read More

    Chex Systems ? Why Every American Needs To Guard His Checking Account With His Life

    Most Americans have been brought up to be concerned about... Read More

    How to Choose Wisely a Credit Card

    So, you've made the decision to apply for a credit... Read More

    Financial Readiness: Preparing for BRAC (Base Realignment And Closing)

    The recommendations for military base closings have been released and... Read More

    Personal Loans For Homeowners ? One Of The Numerous Rewards For Being A Homeowner

    You no longer look at the pictures of homes cause... Read More

    Save Your Money, Dont Give to Charity Scammers

    **If it's Spam, it's a Scam!- If it sounds too... Read More

    Reporting Identity Theft

    Would you know what to do if you suspect that... Read More

    Budgets And Eating - Can They Co-Exist?

    Whatever your reason for having a tight budget, the truth... Read More

    How To Place an Online Order for Checks ? It is Easy as 1-2-3

    If You Have an Existing Account and 5 Minutes, You... Read More

    Check Facts and Figures

    Are you a check fanatic? Don't worry, you aren't alone.... Read More

    I Want to Buy a Home - Now What?

    If you were to ask 100 women "What would you... Read More

    How You Feel Affects How You Shop & How Much You Spend

    Have you ever stopped to think about how your "mood"... Read More

    How to Choose the Right Bank for Your Online Business

    You should thoroughly consider your business needs when selecting a... Read More

    How to Draw a Personal Budget that Works

    Many people spend their little income haphazardly without any planning... Read More

    When do You Need a Financial Management Company on Your Side?

    We live in a crazy world. Someone ought to sell... Read More

    Kundalini Lessons - Money

    I've been going through and interesting growth period lately that... Read More

    Make or Break Your Retirement!

    The Prudential has dubbed those who refuse to leave home... Read More

    More Money? My Cup Runneth Over...But Im Still Thirsty

    Most of us, especially those of us who have debtor's... Read More

    Improve Your Professional Image Using Address Labels

    One of the simplest ways to improve your professional image... Read More

    Identity Theft is a Major Problem: Whose Responsibility is It to Protect the Consumer?

    We have heard a lot about consumers' personal information getting... Read More

    Im Broke, How Can I Afford...

    I'm still amazed every time someone comes to me complaining... Read More

    7 Simple Ways To Save Money

    Each of us knows how to spend money, but do... Read More

    5 Ways to Absolutely Destroy Your Finances!

    Ben Stein has a book called How to Ruin Your... Read More

    Eight Ways To Sink Yourself Financially

    1. Don't focus on your finances.The reason most people get... Read More

    Take Control and Master Your Kitchen

    Those who keep a watchful eye on where their money... Read More

    Family Money Management: The Importance of Agreement

    Are you having problems with debt? Are you afraid to... Read More

    Safely Save for Your Childs University Studies Using An Education IRA!

    This investment retirement account (IRA) is useful to you as... Read More

    Money Saving Tips. Maximize Savings on Everyday Items!

    Frugal living is more than a lifestyle. It's a passion.... Read More

    Understanding and Controlling Your Finances

    Have you ever wondered what it would be like to... Read More

    Adverse Debt Levels Blight UK Consumers Personal Finances

    Debt levels are at an all time high in the... Read More

    Vacations Made Easy: Buying a Florida Investment Property

    Vacations Made Easy: Buying a Florida Investment PropertyA relaxing beach... Read More

    Budgeting the Key to being Financially Stable

    Single Mother's in need of Financial GuidanceBudgeting is key to... Read More

    Single Mother Resources Directs You Towards Success

    As a parent you are bound to face a few... Read More