Tips to Save Gas

Friday, March 11th, 2022 -- 11:00 AM

(WBAY) As gas prices surge, drivers are thinking about how to get the most distance out of every gallon.

The price of diesel is also way up, and that’s causing fear of further inflation as truckers pay more at the pump and pass that on to the customers whose products they’re hauling.

While much of the blame is being pointed at the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, others are blaming the big oil companies which reported record profits over the past year.

U.S. Senate candidate Tom Nelson says Congress should go after those companies’ windfall profits instead of suspending the federal gas tax. A lot of the advice we’re hearing is similar to the last time there was a record hike in gas prices in the summer of 2008.

At GasBuddy.com, drivers are being told to plan out their travel and consolidate trips as a way to save money. Also, regular maintenance like checking your tire pressure and air filter will help increase miles per gallon.

Tips to save gas include:

• Avoid leaving your car to warm up for an extended period;
• If you own more than one car, consider using the more fuel-efficient one most;
• Avoid hard acceleration;
• Accelerate with a light to moderate throttle, allowing your automatic transmission to shift into higher gears sooner;
• Try to time the changing of traffic lights to avoid coming to a complete stop;
• Drive the speed limit;
• Use cruise control on the highway;
• Check your car for excess weight or drag, such as unused bicycle carriers and ski racks or bulky items you don’t need in your car (don’t remove those emergency or first aid kits though);
• And AAA says its own research shows no added benefit to buying premium gas unless the car’s manufacturer specifically recommends or requires it.

As for how long high prices could last, experts say you should get used to it.

Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.