Moms’ lives are often busy as they juggle kids, spouses, finances, work, chores, and many other responsibilities. Time and money are two things that many moms wish they had more of. Fortunately, there are a few ways you could give yourself a bit more of both. One is by reducing your gas costs.
1. Streamline Driving Routines
It may be helpful to take a few minutes each week to look at your schedule for the upcoming days. Identify ways to combine trips based on location and how urgent they are. For example, maybe you could go to the grocery store twice a week instead of every day, or go to a grocery store that is closer to the kids’ school.
Similarly, carpooling can save time and money. You share the responsibility of transporting kids with other parents and may benefit from the increased sense of community.
Try to avoid rush hour when possible. Traffic extends the time you’re in the car, and the stop-and-go nature drains fuel efficiency.
2. Keep Your Vehicle in Good Shape
Get to know your vehicle if you have not already. For example, if you are purchasing a new Kia for sale, check your owner’s manual for recommendations as to the maintenance schedule.
Regular oil changes and various tune-ups should keep your engine in good health and improve your fuel economy. The better you know your vehicle, the easier you can note when something seems off about the engine or its responsiveness.
Take a look at the tire pressure at least once a month and always before long trips. If your tires are underinflated, that can increase rolling resistance and, in turn, reduce fuel efficiency. Check your owner’s manual for the recommended tire pressure. There may be a sticker inside the driver’s door frame with that information, too.
Also, if you habitually haul around heavy items you don’t need, take them out when possible. The weight of strollers and sports equipment can decrease fuel efficiency.
3. Choose Cars With High MPG Ratings
If you are researching upgrades from your current vehicle, cars with high miles-per-gallon ratings might serve you well. They do tend to be smaller, which may not be best for your needs or your family’s needs. Still, you should be able to find something that gets relatively good MPG.
Other considerations include hybrid and electric options. They typically have superb fuel economy or are entirely electric. They may be worth the higher upfront cost due to the many benefits such as overall gas savings.
4. Assess Your Driving Habits
Do you tend to leave the engine idling when you wait for a kid to show up after sports practice? Fuel economy (and the car and environment in general) should turn the engine off if you’ll be idling for more than a minute. Restarting your engine uses less fuel than leaving it running for long periods.
Also, you probably already do this, but if you don’t, use cruise control on longer drives. The constant speed reduces frequent acceleration and deceleration.
Conclusion
With these tips, you may be able to reduce your fuel costs. You can put the savings into a bank account or use it toward a trip. The choice is yours. Enjoy these time and financial savings!
