Changing Driving Habits to Save Money At The Pump

By: Linda White/NBC 13 | Alabama's13.com
Published: May 16, 2008

You're probably not surprised to hear it: Birmingham set another gas record today.

According to AAA, a year ago we were paying $2.90 a gallon. A month ago, we paid $3.28. And now - the new record high is $3.68 a gallon for regular unleaded.

Many of you are changing your driving habits to save money. It starts with a plan — mapping out where you have to go and running your errands all on one day.

That’s what the Rangers, here for the Regions Golf Charity Classic do to save money. Retirees from Crossville, Tenn., they carpooled here with another couple, saving gas and money on the trip.

"To make sure you have 2 to 3 couples going, and having one vehicle and splitting the cost is much more economical," John Tanger said.

But the Rangers have also changed their every day driving habits.

"I volunteer at the Cumberland Playhouse twice a month for afternoon matinees, so I limit my trips into the grocery store and all the errands in the Crossville area to those afternoons," Denise Ranger said.

More and more drivers are doing the same, like Alabama Limo Personnel Safety Manager Tazan Edwards. This is how he saves on his daily trips from Gadsden.

"What I'm trying to do now, is we have another gentleman who lives in Gadsden, we try to commute and swap out every other day and save gas," Edwards said.

Edwards estimates he saves about $60 a week by carpooling. That’s savings that more and more drivers are looking for as they discover new ways to avoid the pain at the pump.

The Rangers also fill up when their gas tank is half full. They say it helps alleviate the pain at the pump.

Use these AAA tips to save money on your fuel bill:

Stick to a routine maintenance schedule. Keeping tires inflated, moving components properly lubricated and ignition and emission systems operating properly will help ensure maximum fuel efficiency and extend the life of your vehicle.

If you own more than one vehicle, use the more energy-conserving vehicle as often as possible.

Consolidate trips and errands to cut down on driving time and miles traveled. When possible, combine them with your daily commute.

If you are going somewhere new, get a map first from an online source such as AAA TripTik (www.AAA.com). Getting lost wastes gas as well as time.

Comparison shop by phone or online if possible before heading out on the road.

Slow down. For most vehicles, fuel economy drops off significantly when traveling more than 60 miles per hour. As a rule of thumb, you can assume that each 5 mph you drive over 60 mph is like paying an additional $0.20 per gallon for gas.

Avoid quick starts and sudden stops. They waste fuel, are harder on vehicle components and increase the odds of a traffic crash.

Lighten your vehicle by cleaning out the trunk, cargo areas and passenger compartments. A heavier vehicle uses more fuel.

Keep your eyes open for low fuel prices but don’t waste gas driving to a distant filling station to save a few cents.

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