Gas: biggest money suck ever!
Okay, maybe gas is not the *biggest* money suck ever, but it sure feels like it. Last night I paid more than $4 a gallon for the first time - and I'm old enough to remember when gasoline was 50-cents a gallon! I was on my way home after a bike ride/run workout and needed a little more in the tank to get home. The nearest station was so expensive - $4.07 for a gallon of premium (it's what the MINI calls for) - that I only bought one gallon. Later I filled up my tank for $48! It felt like being punched in the face.
People who drive monster SUVs with these prices - are you crazy or rich? I suppose a lot of folks are stuck with their big 'ol cars having bought them years ago when gas was relatively affordable. Anywho, for those of us feeling pinched at the pump, here are some resources and ideas.
Find the best local gas prices at Los Angeles Gas Prices.
Call your HR department for a list of colleagues interested in carpooling or post a note in the lunch room with your route and drive times.
Avoid left turns. It worked for UPS and it can work for you.
Check your tire pressure. Driving on over or under inflated tires makes your car less efficient. Hubby inflated his tires a few months ago and noticed his mileage jumped by about 4 mpg.
Avoid braking. Not that I want you to get into an accident, but driving with a lead foot then slamming on the brakes uses tons of fuel. If you see a red light up ahead, coast. Leave enough space between you and the next car so when they brake you can ease off the gas instead of smashing down your brake.
Pool errands. Consolidating trips will reduce your mileage.
Buy a hybrid. If only! Any more ideas? Leave a comment so everyone can benefit.
For a raunchy take on what gas prices are doing to us click here.
Comments
Drive less?!?!? Walk, Bicycle, take the bus and use inline skates.
My favorite is the people who drive to the gym where they spend an hour on the stairmaster..walking. why not go out walking AND save money on your gym membership?
Posted by: Aicha | April 11, 2008 3:32 PM
Funny cartoon.
Just bend over and the price will go up. LOL.
Of those five companies listed, today, Chevron owns three of them:
Chevron
Texaco
Union 76 (Union Oil)
Shell remains independent and Citgo previously had a joint venture with Union 76 (now dissolved).
As many already know, Citgo is owned by Hugo Chavez, the dictator of Venezuela.
Not many Citgos in this area. 7-Eleven previously branded it's gas as Citgo.
7-Eleven no longer purchases fuel from Citgo and has removed any identification to the Citgo brand.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:7-11_Citgo_message.jpg
Posted by: So_Cal Retail_Slut | April 12, 2008 11:52 AM