Gas Saving Tips for Single Parents - Continued
If you must drive to work, watch the traffic patterns during the morning and evening commutes. A difference of ten minutes in your leaving time could mean that you end up sitting for an extra fifteen minutes in traffic which wastes a lot of gas.
Keep an eye on your driving habits. If you accelerate quickly or wait until you are almost to that stoplight to slam on the brakes, you will use more gas. Drive the speed limit, too. A slight increase in speed can mean a large increase in your gas consumption.
If possible, try riding your bike to work or walking. This gives you an added bonus of a workout plus gas savings. You may be able to park further away from your destination, and then bike or walk the rest of the way to get the exercise and gas savings benefits.
Combine your errands. Plan ahead for errands that need to be run during a week and have needed items with you. For example, if you will be driving by the library on the way home from soccer practice on Tuesday, make sure your library books to return are in your car Monday night. When you have multiple errands the same day, plot out your route so that you make efficient use of your time and gas instead of driving aimlessly.
Keep your car maintained regularly according to the guidelines in your owner's manual. Then, your car will be able to use the least amount of fuel. Also, if your car isn't running right, get it checked out immediately. Some malfunctions can cause a great deal of gas to be wasted. Also, keep your tires inflated to the proper levels. Improperly inflated tires can cause increased fuel consumption.
When you need to purchase another vehicle, make sure the it will run on regular fuel. Compare estimated miles per gallon for the vehicles you are considering; if there is a big difference, the lower gas mileage vehicle will probably work out to be more cost effective for you. Also think about how large of a vehicle that your family actually needs. You may not need a minivan or SUV as a single parent with only yourself and kids in the car, especially if most of your trips are relatively short. If you don't need all wheel drive or a 4X4 for the driving conditions in your area, then look at more economical types of vehicles that don't use as much gas.
Hybrids have gotten a lot of media attention for their fuels savings. Unfortunately, the higher purchase price along with phasing out of many tax rebates does not make them a source of savings financially.
You can save money on gas with some creativity and planning. Don't let high gas prices wreck your single parent budget.
