Gas Prices Got You Down? 3 Smart Ways to Cut Fuel Expenses

Filling up your gas tank these days is a bit of a shocking experience. In fact, average gas prices across the U.S. have jumped 58% since this time last year, according to AAA. That’ll really bust a budget!

The good news is there are a few steps you can take to cut down fuel costs. Take a look at these three smart ways to keep gas expenses under control:

Keep Calm

The way you drive can drastically affect your fuel efficiency, so keep in mind that the choices you make behind the wheel can either save or cost you! According to the Office of Energy Efficiency, aggressive driving (characterized as speeding or being aggressive on either the gas or brakes) can lower your gas mileage by 10-40%, depending on where you’re driving. This means that just by driving more smoothly, you could save between $0.50 and $2 per gallon!

Alternative Travel

If you’re in an urban or suburban environment, you may not always need your car. Before you instinctively grab your keys to make a quick run to the store or a trip to a friend’s house, stop and think about whether you actually need four wheels. You might be able to hop on your bicycle, strap on some rollerblades, or just walk! The added bonus will be better health, and a great excuse to enjoy the outdoors.

If you don’t have any, you can often find bikes, rollerblades, scooters, and more at Goodwill stores. Thrifting these items instead of buying brand new will help you enjoy those fuel savings even sooner!

Upgrade to a Fuel-Efficient Vehicle

If these tips just aren’t enough to balance your budget, consider trading in your gas guzzler for a fuel-efficient vehicle. Sure, it’s difficult to get new cars these days, but fear not! Ohio Valley Goodwill’s Auto Auction in Cincinnati has plenty of used cars to choose from, and they’re much more affordable than buying off the lot. You could even donate your current vehicle to Goodwill in Cincinnati and become eligible for a tax advantage. Learn more about donating a car in Cincinnati and get started today!

It may seem overwhelming at first, but it’s true that taking simple steps can help you save quite a bit of money on gas. These tips will also help you be even more environmentally conscious, making them changes we should all embrace for the long haul!