Frugal Family: Ways to Save on Gasoline

Gas prices seem to climb higher every day.  Last week I dropped $73 at the pump, had a mild stroke, and started thinking seriously about a smart car.  Unfortunately, they only seat two and we're a family of four (75% of whom are tall boys), so that's not going to work.  What I have done, though, is looked at ways to save gas. 

Here are some tips from Open Travel Info:

1.  Brake the right way.  Follow the laws of physics when it comes to accelerating and braking.  Anticipate what's ahead of you and ease off the gas pedal to slow down when possible, rather than slamming on the brakes.  The more you're able to use the accelerator to regulate your speed as opposed to the brakes, the less friction there will be on your tires, and the better gas mileage you'll achieve.  Of course, this isn't always practical when you're in Atlanta traffic, but for neighborhood driving, it can work.

2. Don't use the air conditioner when you don't have to.  Now that the pollen count is going back down, roll down the windows or use just the vent, and skip the AC when you can.  Park in the shade to keep your car cooler, and crack the windows to allow air circulation when you're parked in a safe area.  If you are using the air conditioner, try turning it off a few minutes before you reach your destination.  Using the air conditioner pulls on the motor of the car, reducing fuel economy.  So, being smart about it can help you save.

3. Reduce weight.  Empty your trunk of anything that's not necessary (i.e., don't use it for drink storage, tool storage, toting around heavy sports equipment on days you don't need it, etc.).  Added weight on a car takes more gas to pull, reducing your fuel economy.

4. Any time you'll be idling for more than 30 seconds or so (getting stuck behind the train, waiting while your spouse hops out to grab something at the store or ATM, etc.), turn off the engine. At the 20-second mark, the amount of gas it takes to restart the car becomes less than the amount it takes to keep the car running.

5. Pick a better route.  The shortest distance isn't necessarily the most fuel efficient if it involves a lot of traffic congestion and traffic lights. 

6.  Check your tire pressure.  Properly inflated tires get better gas mileage than those that are over - or under- inflated.

7. When stopping at a gas station, keep in mind that those visible from the interstate are typically more expensive than those a little further out. 

8.  Be smart with your discounts.  Kroger offers 10 cents off a gallon for one fillup each time you spend $100 on groceries, but make sure you go to the cheapest qualifying gas station if you really want to save.  had a great tip on last week's Frugal Family column about how to use that Kroger card to your advantage. 

9. Carpool or use mass transit when you can.  MARTA, while it may take a little longer, can save you money, and it does get you out of the traffic.  In addition, every time you carpool, bike, telecommute, or ride the bus or train, log on to the Commuter Rewards page on the Clean Air Campaign's web site, where you can be rewarded for saving gas.  Our family has scored $25 gift cards a few times.

10.  Read the Tucker Patch's weekly column on .  It lists prices for several area gas stations and offers a tip on how to save fuel.