The Great American Gas Out Fizzles Out

by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger

16 May 2007 09:01 AM

Did you take part in yesterday's Great American Gas Out? It was a grass roots movement to have all motorists boycott gas stations for one day with the hopes it would somehow have an impact on gas prices. One email I received promoting the boycott had a goal of taking $2.3 billion in oil company profits. Needless to say, gas prices in my area are just as high today ($3.30 a gallon) as they were yesterday. So to the man who I ran into yesterday in the check out line at Wal-Mart who insisted that one-day boycott had exactly zero chance of having an impact on gas prices---seems you were right.

Let's face it; these days a full tank means an empty wallet... and it doesn't seem as though that equation is going to change anytime soon. According to the Department of Energy, retail gas prices hit their highest levels ever on Monday - an average of $3.10 per gallon. Will they fall before Memorial Day--when millions of vacationing Americans hit the highways---industry analysts say, fat chance.

So, where does that leave us? We could whine about how for the same amount of money it takes us to fill our SUVs we could pay for a week's worth of groceries (done that) or we could drive smarter, maintain our vehicles better and know where to find the best deals on gas.

In a previous blog I provided ways to track down the best gas prices around the country.

Another way to save money on gas is to use a credit card that offers cash rebates for fuel purchases. Most cards provide rebates of around five percent, although you need to read the fine print to review all of the restrictions on where and when you'll get the full discount. In addition, now is a good time to consider signing up for grocery store rewards programs. Several chains, including Safeway and Kroger, offer fuel discounts to shoppers who join their loyalty programs. At my local market, I receive five cents off per gallon every time I spend $50 or more in the store.

Smart Driving. Another way to save fuel is to take a refresher course on the rules of the road. Here are some blogs that may help you save several dollars a month (at least):

Preparing For Your Road Trip: Part 3

Want To Save Money At The Pump? LOSE WEIGHT

Vehicle Maintenance. According to the Department of Energy, keeping your car's engine tuned can increase gas mileage by up to four percent. Here are a few blogs that will help keep your car running smoothly and keep more cash in your wallet:

Preparing For Your Road Trip: Part 1

Pop Quiz: Test Your Fuel Savings IQ

Another tip that has served me well when gas prices rise is this: Whenever possible, pump your gas during the early morning or late at night. Studies show that when the temperatures are cooler gas is denser, which means more of it will end up in your tank.

Finally, if you simply cannot bear spending $50 to fill up your tank, consider alternate means of transportation. To view your options consider reading the following:

Paying More At The Pump... And For Pizza?

Test Driving A Hybrid

Save Money-Drive An Air Car

Biking-An Alternative Mode of Transportation

From Bikes to Blades

Learn more about Michele Cheplic

Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism.

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