We all know our commutes would be cheaper if we lived somewhere else.  But we don’t.

So how can we take a few bucks out of the driving budget and put them somewhere better?  By driving smart or not driving at all.

As stewards of the resources entrusted to us – and the blessings we have received – we choose not to squander, but to conserve.  Did you pick up on that subtle hint, that need elsewhere is greater?

So choose the noble path: learn to conserve with a few of these simple tips:

PART ONE: BEHIND THE WHEEL

Skip the driving whenever you can by combining trips, carpooling, or using your bike, feet or public transit.  Get to know fellow Kroc Church folks from your neighborhood and form a transportation cooperative!

Park in the first spot you see instead of circling the lot looking for that primo space.  Seriously?  I’ve seen people wait up to five minutes to avoid walking a hundred yards!  How hard is it to walk a little!?!?

Combine stops even as you combine trips.  Wait a couple days to return that awful pair of shoes you just had to get ~ they’ll keep just fine until you go grocery shopping.  But even that can go one better: try to do your shopping all in one place.  Here’s a game you can play: how few turns of the key in the ignition can you get away with today?

Lay off the pedals to save your car and save some gas.  Every jackrabbit start away from a freshly greened stoplight can cost you up to 50 cents! Then, the heavy braking action at the next light will cost you too.  So chill out; let that little Honda take the lead spot.

PART TWO: UPGRADES & MAINTENANCE

Change your oil when you’re supposed to.  That’s often within the 3 months/3,000 miles window, but your particular car may be different.  Read up on it.  Do it.

Change your air filter with every oil change. Clogged air filters make your engine work harder, thus using more fuel. You may also want to invest in an upgrade: more efficient brands cost more up front, but they pay for themselves in increased fuel economy and reduced wear.

Get a tune-up, because proper maintenance keeps your car running smoothly.

Inflate your tires properly; if you check this every week, you’re doing it right.  If you over-inflate, under-inflate or completely ignore your tires, you’re doing it wrong:

Remove unnecessary racks from your roof.  They increase drag and lower fuel economy.

Remove unnecessary luggage from your trunk.  Yes, those golf clubs you maybe use once a year are dropping your fuel economy up to 10% for every 100 pounds.

Skip the fancy gas.  I know that high octane stuff looks promising, but I have yet to see a car in our lot on a Sunday morning that needs it.  And believe me, I’ve been looking.