The Rising Cost of Getting By
This month I sat down with my fiancé and we took the time to discuss rising gas prices. We both agreed to save money on gas where possible and take public transportation when possible.
AAA reports the national average of $4.07 at the time of writing (3/7). With the war in Ukraine, we can only foresee these prices continue to rise. The price has risen to $5.31 within Los Angeles alone. I’ve seen one pump near downtown teetering on the $7 mark.
How to Combat Transportation Prices
Unfortunately, there’s not much you can do to combat fuel prices in a heavy car economy like the U.S.
If you’re looking for some helpful tips, here’s what the Department of Energy says:
1. Slow down.
* Each 5 mph you drive over 60 mph is like paying an additional $0.15 per gallon for gas.
* Aggressive driving (speeding, rapid acceleration and braking) wastes gas.
* Equivalent Gasoline Savings: $.12-$.82/gallon
2. Keep your car maintained and running smoothly.
* Tune ups * Clean air filters
* Tires properly inflated
* Proper grade of oil
3. Use your engine wisely.
* Avoid Excessive Idling
* Use Cruise Control and overdrive gears
4. Be smart about driving.
* Plan errands to do them together, rather than separate trips
* Carpool
* Mass transit
* Telecommute
5. Keep your car light.
* Too often a car become long-term storage facilities
Hopeful Predictions
I’m sure electric vehicle drivers are having the time of their life. Being free from gasoline can truly build up savings over your lifetime. I believe we’ll see a boom in EVs within the next few years as people will learn their lesson.
I have seriously considered buying an electric vehicle as my next major purchase to save myself money in the long run.
Safe driving out there,
JT