How to Save Money on Gasoline During Christmas

Are you planning to travel this Christmas? Locally gas was $1.73 a gallon today. But, memories of gas over $4 a gallon this past summer are still vivid in my mind. While the price of gas is lower, most people are still struggling financially. Some reasons for the continued difficulties are job losses and home foreclosure. So, we need to implement all of the gas saving ideas possible.

Vehicle Maintenance -- Have your oil changed every 3,000 miles. Also, have the service station check air filters under the hood and the air pressure in your tires. Maintaining your vehicle properly will boost gas mileage.

Remove nonessential items from your vehicle -- Is your vehicle a rolling dumpster? What are you carrying in your trunk or in the back of your vehicle? Clean out your vehicle on a regular basis. Hauling excess weight lowers gas mileage. There are essentials we all need to carry. Items you should carry are a spare tire, jumper cables, small tool box to do minor repairs etc.

Wash the exterior of your car -- Wash the mud or snow build up off your vehicle. A muddy or snow covered car adds extra weight. This decreases your gas mileage.

Carpool -- Is the family gathering several hours away? Travel with other local family members. Figure out how much money was spent on gas and split the bill.

Use Gas Cards -- Some gas stations offer monthly rebates if you use their credit card to purchase gas. Of course, you have to purchase from that particular gas chain in order to maximize your rewards. The incentives the gas stations offer vary from company to company. One local gas station gives a free soda with a fill up (over 8 gallons). Another company offers 5% off your total gas bill for the month.

Check out gas price websites -- Check gas prices on line before you leave on your trip. Then, plan your gasoline stops accordingly. My favorite site is Gas Buddy . This site shows the cheapest prices for gas in many areas. You may be able to save yourself a few bucks on the purchase of gas.

Get your gas early in the morning -- Gas compresses and expands with the rise and fall in temperature. If possible, fill your tank in the morning when it is cooler.

Gas up at towns next to the exit ramp -- Exiting and traveling several miles down the road to find a gas station is a waste of time and gas. If at all possible, exit and fill up at stations that can be seen from the toll road or expressway.

Park and Walk -- You do not have to park closest to the door (if you are healthy). Driving around and around the parking lot waiting for parking spot close to the door wastes gas.

Keep luggage in the vehicle -- Luggage strapped on top of the vehicle decreases your gas mileage. Pack light and keep as much of your stuff as possible inside the vehicle.

Drive at steady moderate speeds -- Avoid fast starts when driving. When slowing for a traffic signal--do so gradually. Not only will these tips increase your mpg, but they will help prevent accidents.

Avoid rush hour -- Plan your trip around rush hour traffic. Leave an hour earlier or later as the situation may demand. Sitting in one spot for copious amounts of time wastes gas.

Good luck saving money on gas at Christmas!