Gas price relief? Not really

You've probably noticed the gasoline pump has taken a smaller bite out of your budget in recent days.

Last week the average price in the Chicago area tipped $4.28 a gallon. This week it's closer to $4.15 a gallon, says the Aurora-based AAA Motor Club. But is it enough to sooth budget-conscious drivers or get them to relax their new gas-saving habits, like walking or riding their bikes, taking public transportation or combining trips? Not really, say several drivers filling up at a suburban gas station posting $4.10-a-gallon regular.

Debbie Morris, Buffalo Grove

"Eighty bucks to fill up my car? When I was used to $40? I walk more. I was walking my son to camp and my other son who works, I was making him ride his bike."

Omar Herrera, Palatine

"I think it's going to go up eventually. I walk to work. I'm going to college at Oakton (Community College in Des Plaines), so it's going to affect me."

Susan Banks, Palatine

"I don't believe it's going to stay low. I believe it's going to keep going higher. Down for today and next week it'll go up 15 cents. That whole stimulus thing was just to get everyone to quiet down a little bit, but a $600 check - that's what I spend on gas every month, if not more. It's a lot of money."

Heather Janick, Wheeling

"I walk a lot more. Instead of driving to the store I walk, and the stuff I have to get, I have to carry. You have to change your budget. It's just not realistic. I try to make it last, every penny."

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