Driving Habits Cost You Money
I was driving to a friend’s house earlier today and I ended up next to an young guy in a nice looking SUV. We were sitting at a red light and as soon as it changed he was off like a bat out of hell. Three blocks down we ended up at another red light, but he had gained a car length on me.
I began thinking about driving habits and gas consumption. From what I have been able to Google about cost effective driving habits, moderate acceleration until you reach your required speed are easiest on the gas tank. Anticipating red lights and taking your foot off the gas and coasting will also help with gas consumption and is easier on the brakes.
The light turned green and he was again off. This time I saw that he had to brake fairly hard to stop for the next red light. He was now two car lengths ahead of me, definitely making progress.
The light turned green and again he was off. About four blocks down I had to stop at another light and he has obviously made it, definitely making better time on his trip than me. I got my green light and was on my way.
Three blocks down from the last light I see the truck and the young guy talking to a nice police officer. By the look on the young guy’s face it his driving habits were costing him some cash.
The moral of the story would be drive reasonably and save a few bucks on your gas bill, replace your brakes less frequently and don’t get dinged with what I often refer to as the “stupid tax.”
Good point, driving habits can cost you. But when you look at the total cost of a car, gas is fairly minor. Much more important is the cost of the car, how many years you can keep it running, financing cost (don’t), maintenance cost. Just ignoring your car dealers schedule for maintenance and only having the minimum required done by an independent can save you tons.
I totally agree. In 1991 I purchased a 1989 Hyundia for $3500. I maintained it until 2002 when I decided to reward myself with a brand new SUV.
A little pricy, but I figured I deserved it. It was paid for in three years.
I take public transit to work a majority of the time now so my gas bill isn’t bad.
I plan to maintain and drive it for another 10 years barring any serious mechanical issues.
Ya i agree that cost of maintenance is much higher than the cost of the car.