While the summer months are always more expensive in terms of cost per gallon, gasoline has now hit a record high, even when adjusted for inflation. Now, we all know the basics on how to stretch more mileage out of a gallon of gas such as drive slower, make multiple errands into one trip, avoid stop and go, etc., but I'm the kind of guy to give you tough love, so here it is.
First up, trade in that clunker for a hybrid. I've owned one (Honda Insight) and while I did have one minor problem with it, it was an excellent car. The problem I had with it was when it got above 90 degrees and I would kick on the A/C, in stop and go traffic, pretty soon the battery would run down to zero and I would have to turn off the A/C, let the battery recharge, then kick the A/C back on. This was probably more because the Insight's gas engine was a paltry 60 some HP. Stop and go traffic for this meant 10+ miles of stop and go, not just a minor slow down here and there.
Shop around for gas, to a degree. Don't drive across town to save 5 cents a gallon, when you'll burn all that savings off getting to the gas station. If it's a mile or two, go for it, but when you get 10+ miles out of your way, you're not saving jack.
Stop driving as much. This one is the one that most people scoff at. We're America. We drive everywhere. However, if you drive all over the place for no real reason, you don't have a right to bitch about the price of gas.
Get a motorcycle. Some people wouldn't think of this one. Get a motorcycle. They get great gas mileage, even the crotch rockets. Most get anywhere from 40+mpg on up. Plus, you get to use the car pool lane in most states, so you get to get home quicker. Just make sure you get a quality helmet and some thick leathers. You want your skin to remain intact don't you? Remember, there are two kinds of motorcycle riders, those who've fell, and those you are going to fall. A nice, full faced helmet and a set of thick leathers (leather jacket, pants, and boots) will save you tons of time and pain when you do eventually go down.
Look at alternative fuel vehicles. A lot of people are talking about hydrogen or electric vehicles. Those are nice and they definitely have a niche, but I don't know what it is about the allure of the compressed air car that does it for me. It's ugly as sin, but it's priced very cheaply (starting at around $7,500 rumored), and completely does away with foreign oil. You actually clean the air if you're driving one of these around because of the various filters on the car. When/if they ever come to the US, I will definitely give this one a serious look.
Ride a bike. If you live in a densely populated area, a bicycle might be something you could look into. It's great exercise and you can get around traffic and other obstacles quite easily.
The reason why gas companies are charging more right now is simple demand. We are demanding more gas and they are charging what the market will bear. Get the demand down and they will be forced to reduce the price.
Travis
travis@rightwingluanatic.com
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