Tips to Save on Rising Gas Prices for Drivers
Tips to Save on Rising Gas Prices for Drivers
How to Save Money on Rising Gas Prices
Gas prices are on the rise once again, as the switch to more expensive summer gasoline has begun. This means that higher costs will be steadily passed on to motorists. But how much will gas prices rise, and what can drivers do about it?
On July 25, the national average cost for a gallon of gas rose by 4 cents, bringing it to $3.64. The following day, the average cost climbed 5 cents to $3.69, the biggest one-day increase since June 2022. Currently, the national average cost for a regular gallon of gasoline is $3.71. Analysts attribute this increase to mounting supply cuts by OPEC and Russia, extreme heat that has sidelined oil refineries, and optimism about the health of the world economy.
However, despite the recent increase, average gas prices are still much lower than last summer’s peak when they hit a record high of $5.02. This is good news for drivers who are looking to save money at the pump.
States with the Highest/Lowest Gas Prices
The national average price for a gallon of regular gasoline is $3.71, but prices vary between states. Here are the three states with the highest average price for a gallon of regular gasoline:
- California – $4.94
- Washington – $4.93
- Hawaii – $4.70
On the other hand, here are the states with the lowest average cost for a gallon of regular gas:
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- Mississippi – $3.18
- Alabama – $3.30
- Louisiana – $3.30
How to Save Money at the Pump
If you’re worried about the rising gas prices crimping your spring and summer plans, here are seven gas-saving tips to help you cut down on fill-ups:
- Drive slower: Lower speeds require less fuel because aerodynamic resistance increases with the square of speed. Additionally, try to avoid using your brakes as much as possible, as they turn your money into heat.
- Take off the roof rack: A bulky rack can disrupt your car’s aerodynamics and make it less fuel-efficient. So, if you’re not using your roof rack, remove it to improve your gas mileage.
- Combine car trips: By combining multiple trips into one, you can save on overall miles driven. This approach also reduces driving on a cold engine, which generally uses more fuel than a warm engine.
- Use fuel-saving apps: Apps like GasBuddy and Gas Guru can help you locate the cheapest gas in your area, allowing you to save money on each fill-up.
- Monitor your tire pressure: Under-inflated tires can significantly lower your gas mileage. Check your tire pressure once per month to ensure they are at the recommended PSI.
- Stop idling: Your car wastes fuel after about 7-10 seconds of idling. While most cars have auto-shutoff features to save gas, resist the temptation to disable them and save fuel at every red light.
- Empty the junk in your trunk: The EPA estimates that every 100 pounds of extra weight in your car reduces fuel mileage by 1%. So, remove any unnecessary items from your trunk to improve your gas efficiency.
By following these tips, you can save money and mitigate the impact of rising gas prices on your budget. Remember, every little bit counts!
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