If you have a long daily commute, one of the best way to keep cost down is to car pool. If the other person has a car too, you can take turns on who drives. If the other person does not have a car,you can work out an arrangement to be reimbursed for some of the cost you incur. When it is done right, car pooling can save you a bunch of money. Here are some tips to make your car pooling experience a great one.People, people, people
Spending time in a car with someone you don’t like can be tedious, long-winded and aggravating – so chose your car pooling friend carefully. It may seem harsh but starting your day off with an irritant can be detrimental to your working day, which will ultimately reduce your chances of working to your potential.
Switch your seat
Commuting when you work a long distance from home can be painfully expensive and mundane. So when car-pooling, make sure that if the journey is a long one, allow the passenger to drive half the distance. This will ensure that you are both seen as equals during the commute, and even better you get to put your feet up for a bit and relax – just make sure the passenger is insured on your car first!
Adapt
Car pooling can be a great way to save money on expensive gas bills, but without the right strategic measures in the place, it could end in disaster. If your fellow car pooling friend lives close, it would be beneficial to ask if they could walk to you before you set off – this will save on gas, money and you having to pick them up. Equally, if they live relatively far away, make sure you both agree a suitable meeting point that is convenient for both parties – happiness is the key to great car pooling!
Money, money, money, money, MONAY!
The whole point of car pooling is saving money. So, make sure that before any journey or car pooling begins, you set out strict guidelines as to how much the journey will cost. Informing your cohabiter of the charge that they will incur will help achieve a mutual respect and thus cancel out any potential arguments regarding money. You need to consider many factors including; mileage, insurance, tax, tire wear and most importantly fuel.
Choose your route
If you look at modern day satellite navigation or GPS systems, you will notice that they offer two or three routes for each journey. One route will take a little bit longer but may offer a more economical run – it is important to look at what route is best for you and your passenger. One route may get you to your destination ten minutes faster but if it costs you a few extra dollars in tolls and gas, is it worth it?
Rules and regulations
We are all creatures of habits, but when car pooling, these habits are best to be spoken about before the journey. Is your terrible music going to be played? Will you allow smoking in your car? Your passenger might just assume they can light up and smoke in your new car – so we would advise to set out some ground rules early on in the relationship. We would advise the radio as background noise, just in case there are any awkward silent moments – everyone has them!
Drive safely
A commute isn’t a NASCAR qualifying lap, so just take those corners gently and ease off the throttle. Car pooling should be an enjoyable process for all parties, and nobody wants to view your ‘driving talents’ on the freeway. Just relax and drive in a safe and controlled manner – this will ensure your passenger is happy and both of you arrive at your destination in one piece.
Be pleasant
This one might be a bit obvious, but you would be surprised by how many people don’t posses the social skills to communicate with someone they don’t know that well. If you’re going to be spending a considerable amount of time with this person, you need to be as pleasant as you can be – or those hourly trips to work and back could become very awkward indeed. It doesn’t take much to smile, and if you’re lucky your passenger will smile back – hopefully.
Check your particulars
It is important to know who you can and can’t trust. Before you start car pooling with someone, you need to make sure that you both have the correct identification and qualifications. Simple aspects like driving licenses and insurance documents will ensure you have complete faith in your right hand man/woman.
Contact details
This is an important one. Incase of an accident, it is a good idea to note down both parties telephone numbers for their next of kin/someone who they can contact. There would be nothing worse than not being able to contact their loved ones if you were involved in a crash. Preparation is the key to happy car pooling.
*About the author: This is a guest blog post on behalf of Carfinance247 – specialists in helping people find a low cost car finance deal.
*Image Credit: Photograph by Mike Licht, NotionsCapital.com [via Flickr Creative Commons]
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