Driving as Art

Photo by: prettywarstl

I would love to hop on a bike and get my exercise on the way to work. Or jump in a train and read my paperback. As mentioned at the start of this chapter, a quick look at the obvious (and hidden) costs of driving to work is staggering. Unfortunately, I don't live in an area where public transit is popular nor widely available.

So if you reside in a megapolis with these options, count your blessings, utilize your options, and please save your reproach. Flyover folks would love to be free from paying for a car, but many of us can't live without it.

If you find yourself in the morass of coffee drinking, text typing, lip gloss applying commuters, you can still lessen the strain on our planet. Maybe you're one of the few who's already altered your driving habits to save money, which in turn uses fewer resources. Perhaps you've detailed every mile of your week, including grocery trips, and allot a certain amount of gas money accordingly.

Even more essential than your quantity of driving is your quality of driving. Believe it or not, piloting the car is an art that can be improved upon. Going the extra mile doesn't have to mean a budget strain. You may just need to evaluate some driving habits that keep you filling up the gas tank more frequently.

1. Downsize to a one-car family
   Don't groan just yet! After being rear-ended several months ago, our family of 3.5 was reduced to one car for a long period of time. We also lived in a small two-bedroom apartment on the third floor in an area not conducive to foot traffic. It was a huge sacrifice and I'd be lying if I said every moment was a welcome learning opportunity. Being homebound with small children in sweltering heat was a true test of patience.
2. What I did notice was a huge deficit in spending over those months. Not only the obvious ones — gas, oil changes, auto parts for random repairs — but also overall spending on fast food lunches, mall purchases, and other quick buys that impaired mobility affects. Our monthly reduction during the one-car era was $380 cheaper than with a second mode of transportation. If your situation allows you to tote a spouse to a stationary job (which we did not have), you can easily make it work.
3. Make a list of outings and stick to it
   The "oops I forgot" trips really take a toll on your gas bill. Become a dedicated list taker and make a plan for all the trips you intend to take during the week. Include grocery shopping, meetups with friends, commute to work, church happenings, and everything else to have a clear idea of your weekly mileage. Even keep a chart to hold yourself accountable to the list.
4. Head to the gas station at the 1/4 tank mark, no more or less
   If you always run on empty, you can quickly shorten the lifespan of your electric fuel pump as it has to work overtime to pressurize a small amount of fuel. If you always drive around with a full tank you'll be hauling a lot of extra weight around with you, increasing your usage of gas. Regularly refuel when you have used most of the tank.
5. Fill up on Wednesdays and a few days before the holidays
   Prices fluctuate throughout the week. Think about when you fill up before heading out of town on a holiday weekend. Usually Friday after the bags are loaded in the car. As a result, prices are historically higher 2-3 days before holidays. Also, Wednesdays tend to trend lower than other days, but this isn't a steadfast rule every week.
6. Check levels every time you fill up
   Back in the glory days of full service, your tank refill included a fluid check, tire pressure reading and adjustment, window washing, and a smile. You'll have to pay a pretty penny more for the same service today. Be your car's advocate and check the levels described earlier in this chapter.
7. Ease up on the gas, lead foot
   The less you rapidly accelerate and decelerate, the more you'll save money. Get to know your frequented routes and learn when you can coast down hills or take your foot off the gas before a stoplight. Avoid idling in parking spots or in traffic if at all possible. And take advantage of cruise control—by going a consistent speed, you'll avoid hitting the gas and breaks more frequently.
8. Park in the shade
   Did you know that gasoline evaporates? Plus, if you live in the south, leaving your car to bake in the summer sun is akin to automotive abuse. So seek maximum shade and walk.
9. Share a ride to work
   While checking out online ride sharing agencies can help connect you with fellow sojourners, I have several reservations about going to and from work with a stranger. How punctual are they? Is she an aggressive driver? Does he have a penchant for sharp objects and unsuspecting carpoolers? If you can network through people you know, all the better. Expect your commuting costs to cut at least 1/3 if you are persistent with ride sharing.

Other tips and gadgets that will help you out:

• Trip Cubby iPhone App: For folks who need to track mileage for gas or tax reimbursement, this is essential. Includes fancy bar graphs and hyper-detailed options.
• Car Care iPhone App: Tracks mileage for multiple cars with quick and easy data entry.

Next: The Hybrid Frontier