Cut Your Commuting Costs

With average gas prices around $4 per gallon, you can spend a big chunk of your paycheck just getting to and from work. Here's a detailed roadmap to help lower your commuting costs.

Improve your gas mileage. Keep your car tuned up, avoid excessive speed, and take heavy loads out of your trunk. Depending on the temperature, you may also want to reduce the use of your air conditioning.

Check your tire pressure. Properly inflated tires can boost your mileage. Maintain your manufacturer's recommended tire pressure.

Search for discounts. Most states offer reduced-price commuter rail, subway or bus passes for seniors and students, or price breaks for buying a monthly transit pass.

Maximize fuel efficiency. Pair the family member who has the toughest commute with the car that has the best gas mileage. Visit the U.S. Department of Energy's FuelEconomy.gov for more information.

Take advantage of tax breaks. Many employers let you use pretax money for transit passes, vanpool expenses, or parking.

Share a ride. Check for local services to help you find a carpool or vanpool partner.

Get cash back. Consider using a gas rebate card with no annual fee. Some give up to five percent back on gas purchases. But keep track of your bills and be sure to pay the balance in full before the due date.

Slash insurance costs. Tell your insurer if you reduce your commute. You could get a discount if you drive fewer than 7,500 miles per year or if you stop using your car to get to work.

Adjust your schedule. See if you can change your work hours to avoid rush-hour traffic. Idling in traffic devours gasoline, so plan your trip to avoid traffic tie-ups whenever possible. Can you join the trend of working four ten-hour days instead of five eight-hour days? Or maybe telecommute, at least occasionally? Employers who said no in the past are becoming more flexible now that gas prices are so high.