In The Driver’s Seat: Driving Habits Can Affect High Gas Prices

Consumers are battered by high gas prices, and there is a growing concern, as prices at the pump hit a record high. Most Americans are locked into their driving habits, and won’t let the cost of gas keep them out of the driver’s seat. As tax paying citizens, we deserve the right to travel where we want and when we want, exercising our freedom, without the high cost of gasoline. Patiently we await the improvement in our economy, while we pinch our pennies, and begrudgingly forsake the urge to go on our weekly shopping sprees, and weekend trips. With the rising cost of fuel, we are driven to buy economy cars, or hybrid vehicles to get us through this dreaded recession of days. Families are really paying at the pump with gas prices soaring above the norm. Frugality sets into our human psyche, as we sift through the daily news, and watch our local television broadcast, for that tidbit of vital information regarding the area gas station giving away free gasoline, which only happens about twice a year.

Gas prices have gone up about 33% since the beginning of the year. Many experts say the rising prices of gasoline are the result of supply and demand, and won’t come down until supply is increased or demand is reduced. The polls say that 74% of people say they will alter their driving habits this summer, and travel less if gas prices rise above $4 per gallon. Some people are even buying motorcycles to save on gas. More people are coming to the dreaded conclusion that bigger isn’t better. People are moving toward smaller, more fuel-efficient sedans and compact cars. When you look at the broader picture, you will see a big shift towards more environmentally friendly, and fuel efficient vehicles. Many people are giving up the big gas guzzlers, the Dodge Ram, the Ford F150, or the Chevy Silverado they bought somewhere in the late 1990s to early 2000s, to buy a more fuel efficient vehicle.

There are some fuel economy tips to help increase your car’s gas mileage. The best fuel economy tip is to lighten your load. Pack light when going on vacation. Remove heavy items from your truck bed. Reduce some of the excess weight, by removing some of the clutter you are lugging around in your car. Getting rid of clutter and excess weight will increase your gas mileage. Have your engine tuned properly, and use the correct grade of fuel. If your engine is not tuned properly, you could waste as much as 40% of your gas.

Changing driving habits can be a big help. When you are in the drivers seat, don’t try to be the first off the line when the red light turns green. Instead of breaking, let your foot off the gas and let your car coast before you brake to a stoplight or stop sign. Don’t tailgate people. Observe the speed limit, and allow plenty of room between you, and the driver in front of you, while driving at a normal, smooth speed. Stoplights are set up in a timed manner. Try to time your speed between stoplights, so that you won’t waste gas trying to race to the next stoplight. Never leave your car running idle with the air conditioner on. Check your tire pressure once a week. The correct pressure in your tires helps them get better traction, therefore giving you better gas mileage.

Consumers are entering the summer season with a cautious view of increasing gas prices, but despite high gas prices, most of us are planning on keeping our cool and will remain in the drivers seat.