How to Save Money on Gas and Transportation - Money-Saving Tips
How to Save Money on Gas and TransportationWe drivers (and paying passengers) have been lucky enough to see gas prices drop considerably over the past several months, well away from their horrendous peak in mid 2008.
Despite this much-needed relief, fuel prices seem to be most of us are still short on cash and could stand to free up a few dollars here and there for other things we need and/or want.
I'm going to outline a few ways to save money on transportation, ranging from financial decisions to daily routine adjustments to simple, quick tasks that will all contribute to reduced cost for you.
Auto Insurance One great way to save money on transportation is by looking into the way your car insurance is set up.
You might be able to reduce your insurance payments by increasing your deductible (which I have seen recommended by personal finance experts).
By switching from a $250 or $500 deductible to a $1000 deductible, you can save yourself much money over time, likely more than the difference between your current share of accident repairs and $1000.
Of course, you should always drive defensively and practice good awareness to reduce the chances of a traffic accident.
You can always look around at other car insurance providers and get free quotes on what you woulc pay for their coverage.
Try to find a good coverage package, combined with affordable pricing and convenience.
You will want a company that's easy to deal with if/when you have an accident.
How to Get Better Gas Mileage MPG.
It's been a buzz word (er, acronym) lately in the advertising world, and for good reason.
People have been spending large chunks of their income fueling the vehicles that get them where they need to be.
And if you're not gassing up your own car or truck, you're probably paying a fare to be driven somewhere, and fuel costs are usually factored in here as well.
If you're getting low miles per gallon and you have to drive a lot, you're spending a fortune on gas or diesel, plain and simple.
Aside from buying a more efficient car (please do if you can afford to!), there are many easy ways to improve your current vehicle's gas mileage.
Check your tires regularly to ensure proper inflation pressure.
Poorly inflated tires harm gas mileage but creating more friction with the road's surface, requiring your engine to work just a bit harder to keep going at all times.
Consult your vehicle's service manual for the proper recommended tire inflation pressure.
If your tires have been replaced with a different brand or model, find the correct pressure written on the tire's sidewall.
It may take a little hunting, but you will find it.
Driving habits are a very important factor in determining your overall gas mileage.
You can easily make a tank of gas last twice as long going from flooring the accelerator everywhere you drive to gently accelerating and being aware of approaching stoplights and stop signs.
Do your best to coast to a stop instead of braking heavily at the last moment.
Not only will this reduce fuel use, but it will also conserve brake wear and may even prevent an accident or two.
Save Money Dining Out and Shopping Try to reduce the frequency of trips to restaurants and other stops if you can.
Cooking at home is often less expensive, healthier and more rewarding than eating out, and it will also help you conserve gas/diesel.
If you have a number of errands to run, see if you can plan a day to hit all the stops in one trip.
That way, you will save fuel and time as well.
Your vehicle will also suffer less wear and tear! DIY Car Maintenance Whenever possible, and if you know how, perform your own routine vehicle maintenance such as car washes, oil changes, fluid top-offs and tune ups.
If you have not done these things (other than the car wash) before, only attempt them under the supervision of someone with experience and know-how to avoid damaging your automobile.
If you are able to fix most things on your car, you can save a very large sum of money over time.
I'm sad to say it, but It's tough to find a mechanic that really has your best interest in mind.
So many people get ripped off having their car or truck repaired.
Let's Review * Get a reliable, fuel-efficient car or truck if possible * Optimize your auto insurance for good coverage and pricing * Drive conservatively, using less throttle and braking more gradually * Keep your vehicle tuned up and maintain good tire inflation * Try to reduce the number of short trips you take There you have it.
Go forth and save money on transportation!
Despite this much-needed relief, fuel prices seem to be most of us are still short on cash and could stand to free up a few dollars here and there for other things we need and/or want.
I'm going to outline a few ways to save money on transportation, ranging from financial decisions to daily routine adjustments to simple, quick tasks that will all contribute to reduced cost for you.
Auto Insurance One great way to save money on transportation is by looking into the way your car insurance is set up.
You might be able to reduce your insurance payments by increasing your deductible (which I have seen recommended by personal finance experts).
By switching from a $250 or $500 deductible to a $1000 deductible, you can save yourself much money over time, likely more than the difference between your current share of accident repairs and $1000.
Of course, you should always drive defensively and practice good awareness to reduce the chances of a traffic accident.
You can always look around at other car insurance providers and get free quotes on what you woulc pay for their coverage.
Try to find a good coverage package, combined with affordable pricing and convenience.
You will want a company that's easy to deal with if/when you have an accident.
How to Get Better Gas Mileage MPG.
It's been a buzz word (er, acronym) lately in the advertising world, and for good reason.
People have been spending large chunks of their income fueling the vehicles that get them where they need to be.
And if you're not gassing up your own car or truck, you're probably paying a fare to be driven somewhere, and fuel costs are usually factored in here as well.
If you're getting low miles per gallon and you have to drive a lot, you're spending a fortune on gas or diesel, plain and simple.
Aside from buying a more efficient car (please do if you can afford to!), there are many easy ways to improve your current vehicle's gas mileage.
Check your tires regularly to ensure proper inflation pressure.
Poorly inflated tires harm gas mileage but creating more friction with the road's surface, requiring your engine to work just a bit harder to keep going at all times.
Consult your vehicle's service manual for the proper recommended tire inflation pressure.
If your tires have been replaced with a different brand or model, find the correct pressure written on the tire's sidewall.
It may take a little hunting, but you will find it.
Driving habits are a very important factor in determining your overall gas mileage.
You can easily make a tank of gas last twice as long going from flooring the accelerator everywhere you drive to gently accelerating and being aware of approaching stoplights and stop signs.
Do your best to coast to a stop instead of braking heavily at the last moment.
Not only will this reduce fuel use, but it will also conserve brake wear and may even prevent an accident or two.
Save Money Dining Out and Shopping Try to reduce the frequency of trips to restaurants and other stops if you can.
Cooking at home is often less expensive, healthier and more rewarding than eating out, and it will also help you conserve gas/diesel.
If you have a number of errands to run, see if you can plan a day to hit all the stops in one trip.
That way, you will save fuel and time as well.
Your vehicle will also suffer less wear and tear! DIY Car Maintenance Whenever possible, and if you know how, perform your own routine vehicle maintenance such as car washes, oil changes, fluid top-offs and tune ups.
If you have not done these things (other than the car wash) before, only attempt them under the supervision of someone with experience and know-how to avoid damaging your automobile.
If you are able to fix most things on your car, you can save a very large sum of money over time.
I'm sad to say it, but It's tough to find a mechanic that really has your best interest in mind.
So many people get ripped off having their car or truck repaired.
Let's Review * Get a reliable, fuel-efficient car or truck if possible * Optimize your auto insurance for good coverage and pricing * Drive conservatively, using less throttle and braking more gradually * Keep your vehicle tuned up and maintain good tire inflation * Try to reduce the number of short trips you take There you have it.
Go forth and save money on transportation!
