Whether
gas prices are up or down, filling the tank should never be
about wasting money. You can put an immediate dent in your
gas bill by adopting a few energy-saving strategies.
Own
a fuel-efficient vehicle: Hands down, nothing
will save you more cash at the station than a vehicle designed
to make the most of every drop of fuel. If it's time for a
trade-in, consider a new hybrid car - you may be eligible
for a one-time federal income tax deduction of $2,000.
Maintain
your vehicle: Keeping your ride in tip-top
shape makes it run more efficiently. Clean your air filters,
fill your tires with the right amount of air, adjust the clutch,
and make sure it has enough clean engine oil. And, since most
vehicles are built for it, fill up with regular unleaded rather
than the highest priced gasoline.
Lighten
your load: Making your car or truck lighter
and more aerodynamic can significantly impact the frequency
of your pump visits. Remove unnecessary heavy objects from
the interior, and detach unused bike and luggage racks from
the exterior.
Drive
less: Why drive if you don't have to? Bike,
walk, or use public transportation whenever possible. Arrange
for car pools to share the cost of fuel, and combine several
trips into one.
Drive
frugally: Even when you're on the road, you
can adopt such gas-saving habits as using the air-conditioner
sparingly, closing the windows when traveling at high speeds,
and seeking out the flattest terrain with the fewest stops.
If your route includes hills, glide down the slopes (when
safe). Accelerate slowly when leaving a stop light, drive
the speed limit (in the right gear), and if you have it, use
cruise control on the open road. Break the warm-up and engine-revving
routine - its unnecessary for most cars. Finally, if your
vehicle is equipped with a navigation system, use it. Driving
in circles wastes gas! |
Credit
Fact
The
Debt's in the Mail – Roughly five billion
credit offers were sent to approximately 200 million
Americans last year – an average of one offer
every other week per individual, and more than one per
week for every household. |
Further
Reading
Thinking
about buying a new car or truck? Read "Drive Away
With a Deal" located in the Publications Library
section our website. You'll
learn how get the lowest possible interest rate, dealer
incentives, and a monthly payment that won't bust your
budget. |
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