$73. That’s how much it cost me to fill up my gas tank (which wasn’t even totally empty). Oh, by the way, did I mention that I usually fill up my car at least once a week due to my commuting back and forth to work? If I drive anywhere but work, then I can almost definitely plan to fill up at least twice a week, and at $73 each time at the pump, that adds up quick.

The increasing cost of gas at the pump is causing all of us to cringe. It almost seems counterproductive to fill up my car with gas. Think about it. To fill up my vehicle twice a week sucks up a significant chunk of my paycheck. So, in essence, it’s like I drive to work so that I can earn a paycheck to fill up my vehicle so that I can continue to drive to work. Confused yet?

Like many other people who can’t really afford to get rid of their gas guzzling vehicles and downsize, I have tried everything imaginable. I now drive the speed limit (something I never thought I’d do). I make sure that I leave plenty of room between myself and other vehicles (so that I don’t have to apply my brakes too much). I pretty much avoid driving anywhere that isn’t necessary, which means no more spontaneous trips to the beach or to the mountains. Even trips to see family have to be planned out in detail.

When will it end? There are many people- millions I’m sure- who are stuck in the same situation. Gas prices have affected families to the point where they are now relying more and more on vehicle transportation services to ship their vehicles to wherever they have to go just so that they can save a few bucks. No more road trips with mom and dad! Now, in the past, I wouldn’t have dared to complain about the 33 mile round-trip drive to work, but when it’s costing me almost $100 a week just to get to work, the numbers are showing that I’m only breaking even (if that!). Wanna’ vent about your car or vehicle experience? We’d love to hear it!

Tags: auto, auto humor // 2 Comments »