Transportation for a commute can be a big budget item. Here are some ways to cut that expense down to size …
Transportation for a commute can be a big budget item. And for most people, paying for transportation to work is
Use GasBuddy to find the cheapest gas
GasBuddy is a user-powered app that maps gas stations and the current price of gas. It's easy to install on your phone and use while you're out and about. Just watch how far out of your way you travel for gas because driving 15 miles to save one cent per gallon is self-defeating.
Consider walking or using public transportation
If saving money is your #1 goal, then these are viable options. These modes of transportation likely will take more time than driving in your own vehicle, so there is a trade-off.
Looking to move soon and have options? One thing to consider may be how easy it is to get around on foot. Check out WalkScore.com to see.
Clean out your car
Clutter in your vehicle makes it heavier, which means more energy is needed to move it around, which means lower gas mileage, which means higher transportation costs.
Accelerate and brake smoothly
And don't speed, either.
At the expense of adding a bit of time onto your trip, you'll improve your gas mileage considerably by accelerating slowly and braking gently, and maintaining a sensible speed.
FuelEconomy.gov, maintained by the Department of Energy, has an informative page with several documented tips on saving money operating your vehicle. I especially like the “don't speed” calculator that allows you to enter your specific vehicle information to see how much you can save just by driving the speed limit.
Spoiler: For virtually all highway speeds, there's a gas mileage performance penalty for speeding. Sorry!
Consider having only one vehicle
Sharing a car does require more planning and does cost time, but if it's a matter of getting rid of an extra payment, extra insurance, gas, and maintenance, it can be quite a bit cheaper.
From personal experience, I'd also definitely steer clear of having more cars than you need. I found it wasn't worth it.
Consider buying less car
Can you get by with a mid-sized sedan instead of a crossover? Can you get by with a compact instead of a mid-sized sedan? Smaller cars tend to give you better gas mileage.
Look into carpooling
My dad carpooled for years, and his commute was probably about ten miles one way. It's a viable way to save hundreds of dollars in gas and thousands of miles of wear and tear on your vehicle.
Consolidate your trips
Especially errands. If you have to drive a bit to get to where the stores are, then a small amount of planning can save a trip or two, which saves gas and time.
Reduce your commute if you can
In some cities, moving closer to work is prohibitively expensive, so saving money on transportation this way is more of a long-term strategic thing. You may be able to get a quick win with a telecommuting arrangement. Or, if you can't move closer to the job, change jobs that are closer to you.
Use loyalty cards when you buy gas
We have a Sheetz near our house. Sheetz' loyalty card knocks off 3 cents a gallon, every time; we just swipe the card before we swipe our credit card, and it's good to go!
Avoid idling your vehicle
If you're planning to idle for more than ten seconds, it's more gas-efficient to turn off the ignition. Ten seconds isn't a long time. A friend several years ago (accidentally) idled his minivan for about an hour! (We both forgot the vehicle was idling.) That cost him half a gallon of gas.
Buy a used car
Buying things used when it makes sense is one of the very best money-saving tips I've come across. And it's hard to find a better place to do this than with a car.
New cars lose value the moment they're driven off the
Rotate your tires
This will extend the useful life of your tires by allowing them to wear evenly. You'll buy tires less often.
Here's some more information on how often to rotate them.
Oh … and also keep them properly inflated! Over- or underinflating your tires hurts gas mileage. Your owner's manual will have the correct pressure.
Consider used tires
Used tires with a good amount of tread can cost less than half that of new tires. Just make sure that there is plenty of tread left on them.
Harmon’s (a grocery store only in Utah) also sells gas, as you buy groceries you build up discounts on Gas and other things (I only use the gas discounts). The other day I saved $.75 per Gallon! Fortunately we where filling up the truck not the car so we saved something like $15. My point is, don’t forget about about your loyalty points, they can add up to some good stuff.
Good point! Our gas stations around here don’t have that feature, but it’s good to remember. Free money!