Chevron: that's good stuff

I drive a minivan. It was an emotional experience the day I had to trade in my "cutesy" girl car and get the dreaded mom-van. It was almost like a death in the family. I had to resign myself to years and years of this plus-sized vehicle and it was tragic.

I settled on a Ford Freestar. As much as I loathed having to get a van, this was a most awesome one to get. It isn't really fancy, but it drives nicely, brakes nicely, gets great gas mileage (about 435 to a tank) and has served me quite well in the nearly six years that I've had it.

Many large families (and small one's too for that matter) have been trying to pinch pennies where ever they could, and we were no exception to that rule. The rising cost of gas has hit many of us hard in our wallets. As a result of this, I started buying our military gas (it's usually a couple of cents cheaper).

A few months ago I noticed my gas mileage severely dropping. I thought it might have been related to my van's need for a tune up. Took her in, had her tuned up, checked the air in the tires, yada yada yada, and STILL the gas mileage was dropping. It wasn't a minor drop either, it was down to about 310 miles to a tank of gas (that's 125 miles less than normal!).

I was talking to my Dad about the gas situation and he asked what gas I purchased for my car. I said "The generic stuff. Isn't all gas the same?" Well, according to Pops, not so much. Apparently different gas companies do different things to their gas.

A little bit of research later and I decided that I was going to give my car what I have named "The Chevron Challenge." I challenged my car to two tanks of gas (I didn't think one would be completely fair), and if I didn't see a mileage improvement, I would stick with the cheaper stuff.

My very first tank of Chevron gas instantly upped my mileage to 417 miles a tank (I have a 23 gallon tank). The second, 443. The third, 472. I am on my fourth and at my current trend, I am prepped to reach nearly 500 miles to a tank.

Chevron gas costs more to purchase initially. However, with the increased gas mileage, I am saving money by buying Chevron gas. My husband's vehicle has now been switched to Chevron and his mileage has doubled.

I wanted to share this with all of you because the changes were so significant. So I will leave you with this: Are you willing to take the Chevron challenge?

Note: I am not being paid by Chevron to advocate for their gas. I am simply stating my opinions on a way to save money.