Watching gas prices climb higher and higher can feel like a punch to your wallet. However, there’s a positive way to look at it, and you don’t need a hybrid or a total lifestyle overhaul to save money on fuel. With smart habits and small tweaks, you can make every gallon go farther and keep more cash in your pocket. DRIVE SMARTER, NOT HARDER. Aggressive driving habits like speeding, rapid acceleration, and hard braking can significantly reduce fuel efficiency. In fact, driving faster increases drag, meaning your engine has to work harder and burn more fuel. Instead, aim for steady speeds and use cruise control when possible. Slowing down, even slightly, can make a noticeable difference over time. Smooth driving doesn’t just save lives, it saves you money, too. KEEP YOUR CAR IN SHAPE. Think of your car like an athlete … if it’s not in prime condition, it won’t perform efficiently. Regular maintenance, such as oil changes, clean spark plugs, and proper engine tuning, helps your vehicle use less fuel to do the same work. Don’t overlook your tires either. Even slightly underinflated tires can hurt fuel economy, while properly inflated ones can improve it and extend tire life. LIGHTEN THE LOAD. Your car isn’t a storage unit! Carrying unnecessary weight forces your engine to burn more fuel. Even an extra 100 pounds can reduce fuel economy by around 1%–2%. Roof racks and bulky cargo also create drag, reducing your car’s aerodynamic efficiency. If you’re not using them, remove them to achieve better fuel economy. PLAN AND COMBINE TRIPS. Short trips on a cold engine use more fuel than one longer, well-planned outing. That’s why combining errands is such a powerful (and simple) strategy. Try grouping your grocery run, school pickup, and other stops into one trip. Not only will you conserve gas, but you’ll also save time. It’s a win-win! TAKE ADVANTAGE OF SAVINGS OPPORTUNITIES. Many gas stations offer loyalty programs that knock a few cents off each gallon, which adds up over time. You can also shop around using apps or local price comparisons to find the cheapest fuel nearby. Even minimal differences per gallon can lead to significant yearly savings. Pump Prices Got You Stressed? GIVE THIS A READ BEFORE YOUR NEXT FILL-UP
COLLEEN SPARKMAN When the ice cream truck came down your street, what was your go-to treat? Strawberry Shortcake Bar. They are still my favorite to this day. What’s going in your beach bag? Sunscreen. It’s required for an Irish complexion.
What was your favorite summer snack growing up? Fresh-squeezed orange juice. My grandparents had three massive trees that would produce enough oranges to supply the neighborhood. Favorite neighborhood summer activity growing up? Swimming in my grandparents’ pool. The best, most chaotic times were when all eight of the grandkids were staying with them. RONNIE SPARKMAN When the ice cream truck came down your street, what was your go-to treat? SpongeBob ice cream. What’s going in your beach bag? A JBL speaker. What was your favorite summer snack growing up? Watermelon. What was the unofficial rule of your neighborhood during summer break? Bike riding from dawn to dusk. Favorite neighborhood summer activity growing up? Gaming with your friends until the sun comes up, but go to bed early enough that no parents know you were awake. MICHAEL CONSTANTINE I always had a bucket and shovel to dig for seashells. What was your favorite summer snack growing up? Seedless watermelon. Favorite neighborhood summer activity growing up? When I was finally allowed to play the tag game, Man Hunt, with the older kids after dark. What was the unofficial rule of your neighborhood during summer break? Before cellphones, check in with someone’s parent before dark. When the ice cream truck came down your street, what was your go-to treat? Ice cream sandwiches. What’s going in your beach bag?
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