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Urgent News:
Methanol and Electricity Generation System Using Flare’s Surplus Gases
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5ways to save money when gas prices jump |
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Author : Jillian Cohan in Gasoline, Oil, Social
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My morning fill-up today was more painful than usual at $3.25 a gallon, so I clicked quickly when this item showed up in FuelFix’s news stream: Five Frugal Tips for Saving When Gas Prices Soar.
It’s a great headline, but the tips, courtesy of the folks at nonprofit credit counseling firm Money Management International, are a mixed bag. There’s some advice we should follow anyway but don’t, like avoiding lead-foot behavior, but also some that might not be practical in the recession, like buying a new fuel-efficient vehicle.
Other tips make a lot of sense, particularly No. 1. I had buyer’s remorse this morning when, minutes after paying at the station closest to my house, I drove a few blocks toward my office and saw a place that charged 4 cents less. A few clicks on my iPhone and I would’ve known better:
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1. Search for the best price. Gasoline prices usually vary from one area of town to the other. Websites such as www.GasPriceWatch.com can give you detailed information about the prices at stations in your neighborhood.
2. Drive sensibly. Did you know that exceeding the speed limit by just 5 mph can result in an average fuel economy loss of 6 percent? Constant accelerating and braking wastes gas, and according to CNN Money, it can lower your mileage by 33 percent when driving at highway speeds and by 5 percent when cruising around town.
3. Plan trips in advance. If you know you have to run multiple errands in a day, make a plan that will help you consolidate the number of trips you have to take. This tactic is also useful for driving down the cost of road trips. Gas prices vary from one city to another. Plan your route so you don’t get stuck paying extra because you have no choice.
4. Routinely maintain your vehicle. Get your vehicle checked on a regular basis to make sure all systems are running smoothly. Make sure spark plugs and sensors are replaced on time and the tire pressure is at the right level. If these aren’t maintained, your vehicle will have to work harder, which means guzzling more gas.
5. Look into alternatives. Research other methods of transportation. These could include carpooling with co-workers, using public transportation or even riding a bicycle. With the growing number of affordable hybrid vehicles on the market, you may find that you can save money by investing in a new car. Not sure if you can afford a new car? Check out one of the many automotive budgeting calculators MMI offers to help you make an informed decision.
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Date: 2011-03-06 | Viewed: 1356
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