Groceries and Gas(oline) Tips

Unless you bike or public transit to the store and back, the spiking price at the pump will spike your trip to the grocery store or mega mart. Slower Fast Food still believes it is still cheaper to cook and eat at home. But you can stretch out the time between gas fillings and save money, too. The first three tips on when to pump gas are an oil company person's suggestions and verified by my local mechanic:

To Pump or Not to Pump

* Know when not to fill your tank Gasoline is more dense or thick when cooler. Don't fill your tank in the heat of the day. In warm seasons, try to pump early in the morning. The gas tank will fill up more.
* Read your gas gauge! Most folks test the E for Empty on the gauge. Better to fill your tank when it is half empty. Besides the credit cards limit(as of this writing) how much you can pay.
*Avoid tankers. If you see a tanker truck filling the underground reservoirs of the station, it's best not to fill up. Though stations are inspected, the tanker may still stir up sediments and vapors you don't need in your tank.

More tips

* Avoid endless errands. Once a week study your pantry or storage areas and write down items you need or run low on. When the list is nice and full, then do one big trip to the store.
* Carpool grocery trips. Friends did this with me when we needed to visit the Strip in Pittsburgh, an old style grocer's venue. First, find a neighbor or friend with a vehicle with great storage. Buy together, but try to separate your purchases, say yours are in paper bags and hers are in canvas bags. Or use boxes with your family names on them.
* Feed your tires well. Keep them at correct air pressure and your tank of gas goes further.
* Oil and lube on schedule. Happy engine leads to a more efficient use of gasoline.
For more ideas check out this nifty FTC web page on gas saving tips.