Ways to help the pinch at the pump
Does the current high cost of gas have you feeling worried about how you are going to continue to be able to afford to put gas in your car? If so, you are not alone. In my household, we have discussed several possibilities for how to manage the almost $200 extra for gas that we are having to put in one of our vehicles each month.
While the prices we are paying in Arkansas are not as high as in some states, according to AAA, the prices are higher than they have been since 2008. “Paying more at the pump can have a big impact on a household budget,” Laura Hendrix, associate professor of personal finance and family resource management for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, said. “Hopefully, gas prices will return to normal, but until they do, there are several ways people can curb costs.” Start by maintaining your car. A regular maintenance schedule will help you get the best mileage. Check and replace air filters regularly. Get regular oil changes and use the manufacturer’s recommended grade of motor oil. Keep your tires properly inflated and aligned.
Slow down. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, driving 55 mph instead of 65 mph improves gas mileage by as much as 15 percent. Using cruise control when appropriate to maintain a steady speed also uses less fuel. Drivers can also improve gas mileage by not driving aggressively. Jack rabbit starts and stops lessen fuel efficiency by as much as 5%.
Lighten up your vehicle. Remove any excess unneeded weight in your vehicle to improve fuel efficiency. An extra 100 pounds in the trunk or back can reduce your fuel economy by as much as 2%.
Use less air conditioning. If possible, use as little as possible without making your car trip miserable. Using a windshield sunscreen when not driving can reduce the temperature in a parked car by 40 degrees or more and require less cooling time to get your car to a comfortable temperature for driving. Keep in mind that for some vehicles, running the air conditioner may be more cost-effective than driving with the windows down, which can cause drag and reduce aerodynamics.
Avoid idling. Turn your vehicle off if you have a long wait.
Shop around for the best gas prices. Take advantage of when some gas stations run reduced prices on certain days of the week. Compare fuel efficiency of the gas from one place to another. Check your owner’s manual for the correct octane for your vehicle and do not purchase a higher octane than needed.
Plan your trips and drive less. Reduce miles by combining errands so that you make stops along a planned route. Carpool, walk or ride a bike when possible. Use public transportation if it is available. Maintain your shopping list to avoid extra trips to the store.
For more resources on living resourcefully, visit http://www. uaex.uada.edu/money. To learn more about extension programs in Garland County, contact us at 501623-6841 or visit us at 236 Woodbine St. Follow us on Facebook @garlandcountyextension.
4-H information
There are several 4-H Clubs for Garland County youths who are 5 to 19 years old. For more information on all the fun 4-H activities that are available, call Carol Ann McAfee at the Extension Office, 501-623-6841, or email her at cmafee@uada.edu.
Master Gardener information Master Gardener meetings are held on the third Thursday of each month at the Elks Lodge. Meetings are open to the public and guests are welcome. For more information, call Luke Duffle at 501-6236841 or email lduffle@uada.edu.
EHC information
Interested in joining an existing Extension Homemakers Club? EHC is the largest volunteer organization in the state. For more information on EHC, call Alison Crane, family and consumer sciences agent, at 501-623-6841 or email her at acrane@uada.edu.