Gas prices are not only affecting people's driving, but they are also having an effect on spending in other areas. Many Americans have had to significantly decrease their household expenses in order to compensate for the increased amount they are spending on fuel. Additionally, as gas prices rise, so does the cost of food and other goods, causing people to have to stretch their dollars even further.
Making Your Gas Go the Extra Mile
While analysts aren't sure when or if gas prices will come down significantly, there are a few things drivers can do to save at the pump:
- Check your filters. Keeping your air filters unclogged can increase your automobile's gas mileage by approximately 10 percent.
- Try a Communal Commute. You can cut your weekly gas bill by half—or more—by carpooling.
- Watch the speed limit. Every five miles you go over 60 miles per hour is like paying an additional 20 cents per gallon for gas.
- Don't idle. If you're planning to sit in your car for more than a minute, shut your car off.
- Take a cruise. According to a study by Edmunds.com, using cruise control on your vehicle, especially on long trips, can increase your average fuel economy by approximately 7 percent.
- Use the Internet. Typing "lowest local gas prices" into your Web browser will provide you with a list of sites that can show you where to save on fuel in your area.