2008 Woodie Awards
Price of gas makes students gulp
Conservation tips offer ways to save money for other expenses
By: MICHELLE HABLE Contributing Writer
Issue date: 4/28/05 Section: News
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Brad Gardner, a junior advertising and marketing major, said gas prices are breaking him.
"I live in Illinois, and the drive alone kills me. It feels like I am stopping for gas every other day," Gardner said. "I drive a Cavalier so that helps a little, but on average I think I spend almost $100 a week on gas alone."
Many students are trying to find ways to conserve on gas, but it's extremely hard when so many depend on their vehicles to get them places.
"I drive a Jetta and it can only take premium gasoline," said Tamara Tyree, a junior speech communications major. "I definitely have noticed the dent that gas is leaving in my pocket. That's why I make my boyfriend drive me everywhere."
Students who drive SUVs could feel a dent in their bank accounts that rising gas prices are causing. SUVs have bigger engines and they use more gas, which makes them less fuel-efficient.
"Right now I call my Jeep the 'gas guzzler'," said Rachel Novak, a junior majoring in advertising and marketing. "I don't do anything to conserve on gas. I'm broke. It feels like every time I get in my jeep the only place that I drive to is the gas station."
Even though the price of gas is high and continues to climb, there are ways to save at the pump.
* Fill up in the morning or early in the evening. That time of day is the coolest so gas won't expand into the air as quickly.
* Don't top off. The gas usually remains in the hose or evaporates.
* Check your tire pressure. Driving on tires that are not fully inflated can cost up to 10 percent more at the pump.
* When possible, carpool. Splitting the cost of gas is a great way to save some money.
"I just got a gas rebate credit card," says Novak. "It can be used at most gas stations and can save as much as 10%. That doesn't sound like much, but when you're in college and broke it really helps."
To find an updated list on the highest and lowest gas prices in St. Louis, log onto www.stlouisgasprices.com.
Gas prices have fallen in recent weeks, however, with a 4 1/2 cent per-gallon drop at the pump. The Lundberg Survey, which collects data from 7,000 gas stations across the U.S., said the drop was due to lower demand and crude oil prices.