Budgeting: Gas Saving Tips

Gas prices are rising and charge cards are being used to cover the costs of filling up their tanks. But if you think that gas hurts when you are paying $4.05/gal, just wait till you try to pay off your credit cards balance at 18% or higher. A tank of gas that is charged and paid off in one year at 18% interest will cost about 10% more.

If you are in debt and struggling, you might want to speak to an experienced consumer bankruptcy attorney to see if anything can be done to help you eliminate, reduce or reorganize your debts so that you can meet your monthly obligations. Many families are finding that they are not in a position to repay debts since the money that had been used to pay down debt is now going to cover rising gas and food prices.

If there is no money to pay towards your debts then Chapter 7 bankruptcy may be a good option. For others, Chapter 13 bankruptcy or a debt management plan may help reorganize debts into an affordable repayment plan. Any good bankruptcy lawyer will be able to review ALL your options so you can compare bankruptcy and non-bankruptcy options.

Everyone is wincing when they fill up their tanks, but here are a few painless money saving tips that anyone can do that can help you use less gas and may help you stay out of debt:

DRIVE SLOWER: I have read studies that show that you have a loss of fuel economy of up to 10% if you drive 65 mph, and up to 17% if you drive 70 mph instead of 55 mph. Remember when President Carter lowered the speed limits to help conserve gas? It works, but I appreciate being allowed the choice to drive slower rather than being forced to by the government. In a typical commute slowing down usually means that the addition of only a few minutes but can add up to substantial savings at the pump. Even on longer trips, a later arrival time isn’t a big trade off for higher gas mileage.

ACCELERATE SLOWLY AND DRIVE A STEADY SPEED: In city traffic, you will find that if you accelerate slowly and drive the speed limit, you will not only save gas you may catch up with the cars speeding around you at every light. This is easier on the highways since you can use your cruise control and you don’t have stop and go traffic.

AVOID CONGESTION: Idle time is wasted gas. Try to drive to and from work at times when traffic isn’t at it’s heaviest. Many employers are allowing flex schedules to allow employees to come in earlier/later than the traditional 9-5 workday. Not only will you use less gas, you may find that leaving earlier or later can significantly shorten the time you spend in your car, and in aggravating traffic snarls.

REDUCE THE FREQUENCY OF SHORT TRIPS AND PLAN AHEAD: You will get better gas mileage from a properly warmed up engine. Experts suggest combining errands, and driving to the furtherest point first to give your car a chance to warm up. Stop at your other destinations along the way home. This common sense approach involves asking yourself if you need to do something right away, or can you wait to combine the trip with another errand.

REDUCE THE USE OF A/C: Air conditioning run at maximum setting reduces fuel economy.

REGULARLY SERVICE YOUR VEHICLE: Proper servicing of the engine and tires have big impacts on your gasoline usage. Low tire pressure increases fuel usage so make sure that you check your tires regularly to make sure they are properly inflated. Change your oil regularly and ask your mechanic to be sure to use a good quality oil and to check to be sure that the correct type of oil is being used.

By Susanne Robicsek, NC Bankruptcy Lawyer

For more information about gas saving tips read: INCREASING GAS ECONOMY