There are a few undiscovered tricks to help reduce the pain at the pump- whether it's finding unique ways to earn a little extra gas money or adding new resources to your routine to cut costs or conserve fuel. Here are some useful tips to help ease this economic crunch:
Cash for gas
Gazelle (gazelle.com) offers a practical way for people to get cash by selling their used consumer electronics. You can find out exactly how much gas money can be earned for unwanted items with the Gadgets for Gas (gazelle.com/gadgets_for_gas) calculator. For example, a Motorola Razor can translate to 5.2 gallons of gas. Advertise for free gas Some companies have begun paying people to turn their cars into moving billboards. Check FreeGasHelp.com. Barter for gas
Like to haggle? There's an entire movement of people who purchase anything and everything through trade programs. Get the inside scoop via BarterNews (barternews.com/how_to_barter_for_transportation.htm). Find the best prices
Use a free online service to find where the cheapest pumps are. Get up-to-date prices from GasBuddy (gasbuddy.com) and GasPriceWatch (gaspricewatch.com/new/default_V3.asp). Gas-rebate credit cards
Gas station rewards plans can take the edge off soaring prices, and some credit cards offer up to 10% in rebates. See a comparison to learn which program works best at rewardprograms.org/types/gas-station.html Ask for gas money
Driving friends to the bar, the mall or the movies takes precious fuel, so ask them to pitch in or, um, find alternative incentives. Read a few ideas at cars.com (cars.com/go/advice/Story.jsp?section=cd&story=cd_gas&subject=cd_trip) Win free gas cards
There are loads of promotions giving away gas cards as the prize. Google "win gas card" and there will be an entire list of contests to enter such as Free Gas Giveaway (freegas.prizevillage.com) and Good Housekeeping's sweepstake worth $2,500 (goodhousekeeping.com/sweepstakes/5000) Pick the right day
Typically gas prices go up on Thursdays after 10 a.m. so be sure fill up before weekend demand drives up the toll. Read more tips on the best days to buy items at Yahoo.com (finance.yahoo.com/family-home/article/103216/the-cheapest-days-to-buy-certain-items). "Hypermiling"
Learn fuel efficient riding tricks to help you beat your bike's EPA rating to maximize fuel economy. Search resources like Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hypermiling) to become educated on hypermiling techniques such as avoiding braking and maintenance tips.