Sushi Money

Over the past few months we have really changed our driving habits due to rising gas prices.  I didn’t think it would affect us so much, but psychologically I find myself doing the frugal dance and calculating how much it would cost to make a trip here or there.  A short roundtrip to the gym or Wally World can cost $3 to $5 for us depending on the vehicle used.

So admittedly gas prices definitely have influenced our choices and habits at home.  We drive the fuel efficient car much more often to work, and don’t take as many trips.  When we need something at the store, we save it for a list or call each other and someone picks it up on the way home.  All normal stuff to be sure, but we are a lot more conscious of our gas expenditures now.  Honestly it kind of crept up on us, because I didn’t really think about our habits until I read that nationally over 50% to 60% of people have said they’ve changed their driving habits too. 

Lets take an unscientific poll and see what you think (this poll only works on the SushiMoney.com homepage, not in the feed).  Here’s the question:

Have You Changed Your Driving Habits Because of Gas Prices?

• No, not at all.
• Yes, a little.
• Yes, a LOT!
• I've stopped driving...

View Results

Of course high gas prices are nothing new over the past few years.  Here’s a chart showing the past 12+ years of gas prices.  Remember the good old days when we didn’t even think about it?  I wonder what kids in high school do these days… it would cost too much to do a lot of driving!

 

With the current national average well above $3.00 per gallon, it seems consumers really may be affected at home.   Yet over the past couple of days the price of oil has come down a bit based on weaker demand and economic concerns, so maybe reduced driving habits are making a difference in demand?  And maybe the rampant speculation by energy investors will taper off for a while.  Keeping prices lower over time would be nice, but the oil pundits are forecasting higher prices for the next decade and beyond. 

What can we do?  Some folks create a personal hedge and buy into an energy mutual fund or oil company stock (that quarterly dividend feels pretty good when you’re at the pump), but realistically we’ve got to modify our behavior.  I’m not ready to give up the ‘ole car yet, so aside from driving less, thinking about how we drive can help as much as anything.  Here’s an older, but excellent review of What Really Saves Gas at Edmunds.com.  What makes a difference for me?

• Turning the car off if sitting somewhere for more than 2-3 minutes.  Idleing the engine can really lower fuel economy.  It’s a winter habit for many of us, but spring is here!
• Don’t “mash on the gas” when driving (unless I’m really late for something!).  Gentle acceleration and coasting to stop lights at times can improve mileage and saves on brake wear.
• Keep the tires properly inflated. Low tire pressure puts more rubber on the road, and takes more “energy” aka fuel to make the vehicle go. 
• Maintain the car properly, and change the air filter on schedule.  The harder the engine must work, the more gas it uses.
• Slow down!  I don’t drive 70+ mph on the highway nearly as often anymore.  Somewhere between 55 and 65 mph appears to yield the best fuel economy.   Even some of the long-haul truckers are slowing down to improve mileage.
• Get a different vehicle!  Anybody for a Smart car or a bicycle?  Maybe in a different color…

We’re all going to have to get used to driving, and “consuming” more efficiently in the years ahead.  I’d love to hear how gas prices have affected your habits and family… what else are you doing to drive less or improve your gas mileage?  

And have you checked out GasBuddy.com before?  It’s a nice site to check out prices in your local area.  Often they’re pretty close to each other and it may not make much difference.  But sometimes you can find a station .3 to .4 cents cheaper, and I’m all for that!

2 comments - Post a comment

« So Many Questions, So Few Answers | What is Your Retirement Keystone? »