Gas, Gas, Gas - it's all about gas...
By reinydawn
@reinydawn (11643)
United States
June 2, 2008 7:04am CST
Oh, I have seen so many discussions about the prices of gas! I know it's a hot topic, and one that is just going to keep on being a hot topic. Normally, I don't gripe about it because I chose to drive the vehicle I drive and I've got to live with that choice. I don't like that the prices have gone up, but I'm having a hard time figuring out exactly what I can do to bring them back down.
Well, last night on our way home from a family reunion, we stopped to fill up the tank on our truck. The reunion was out of state, so we were pretty much on empty. My husband was very annoyed when the gas pump shut off at $75. It's like not only are they charging us a fortune to drive, but they're limiting how much gas we can get. He had to reset the pump and pay again to get a full tank - fortunately it was only one more gallon. Normally he gets free gas at work (one of his few benefits) so we don't really pay attention to how much gas he uses. Next weekend we're taking my vehicle to another reunion - which is further - but since I have an SUV the cost wont be much less.
4 responses
@GardenGerty (160949)
• United States
2 Jun 08
I guess they are limiting the losses in the case that someone skips off. I cannot think of any other reason for it to automatically shut off.
2 people like this
@reinydawn (11643)
• United States
2 Jun 08
Yeah that makes sense, but we used our credit card. That should be approved, but maybe it only lets you charge so much also? It was really strange.
@ZephyrSun (7381)
• United States
9 Jun 08
I haven't filled up my SUV for a few months now, because my husband's company pays for his gas and I will just use his SUV instead. But, I had to fill up this weekend and it was $120 I guess that is why I haven't filled up in so long LOL
1 person likes this
@reinydawn (11643)
• United States
10 Jun 08
It's really getting out of hand. We found out that the gas pump cuts off at $75 - that's going to have to change soon.
@reinydawn (11643)
• United States
10 Jun 08
I'm with you on that one! My credit card offers a 5% rebate on gas purchases, but I think with the higher prices that will change too...
@ZephyrSun (7381)
• United States
10 Jun 08
Well the credit card companies need to figure out that the gas is high and raise the limits set on the cards for pay at the pumps, or someone has to lower gas prices, and I will vote for the lower gas prices LOL
1 person likes this
@brimia (6581)
• United States
2 Jun 08
As I'm sure you've heard, there are some things you can do to improve gas mileage...accelerate slowly, don't go over 60 mph, keep tires properly inflated, regular oil changes, don't idle (turn the car off after 30 seconds), reduce weight-- remove any unnecessary items in car/trunk, and of course a smaller car with a smaller engine helps too...my husband does all of these things and has a Corolla--he gets over 40 mpg.
@reinydawn (11643)
• United States
2 Jun 08
I had a Nissan Sentra a couple years ago, but we were not using it so we sold it. That was a mistake. Although we do use our larger vehicles for hauling things, when I'm driving to/from work I could really use that smaller car. Other than that we do try to keep the maintenance up on it so that it's running at it's top performance.
@twilight021 (2059)
• United States
2 Jun 08
With gas prices now hitting $4 a gallon, I am definately re-thinking my summer plans.
Thankfully I can walk to work and have been doing that now that the weather has gotten nicer. I am also lucky enough to live in an area with public transportation, although the price of that has gone up too...along withthe cost of food, electricity...you name it, it's costing more it seems.
That said, I still have to drive distances to see my family and that can really eat into my wallet. I have been trying to car pool more with my sister, as her car is more fuel efficient than mine. Mine is not horrible, but ihave been trying to change the way I drive as well to conserve more fuel. Using cruise control more, driving slower, and less starts and stops if possible. Not sure how much that will help, but I have to try something.
1 person likes this
@reinydawn (11643)
• United States
2 Jun 08
Most of our summer plans involve driving about 3-4 hours to visit family. And neither of our vehicles are cost efficient... My husband does car pool to work, and his works pays for his gas when he does drive himself so that helps. We don't have public transporation either where we live or where I work, and I can't find anyone to car pool with. I try to make sure that I do all my running around in a big loop so I get everything done on one trip and don't have to keep going in and out for things.
