Hand holding yellow fuel pump nozzle and refilling car; panoramic banner
As everyone knows, gas prices have spiked in recent weeks, and they are not likely to return to “normal” anytime soon. To help you find the “lowest gas prices in the New York City area and beyond,” media outlet NY1 recently provided a link to a website called Gas Buddy. Click here for updated gas prices.
The AAA mobile app and website also include a gas price finder to help users locate the cheapest option in their area.
Many stations charge transaction fees for credit cards, so it often helps to pay in cash. If you must use a card, consider investing in a gas rebate credit card to maximize cash back on fuel purchases. You can also consider purchasing groceries at stores that offer gas saving programs with rewards at the pump.
In the meantime, read ahead for tips on ways to make a tank of gas last longer, provided by HuffPost.
Watch Your Speed
Simply following the speed limit will save you a lot on fuel, according to HuffPost. Driving 5 or 10 miles over the speed limit will on get you to your destination a tiny bit faster but it will cost you in the long run.
“Fuel economy peaks at around 50 mph on most cars, then drops off as speeds increase,” noted Ellen Edmonds, public relations manager at AAA. “Reducing highway speeds by 5-10 mph can increase fuel economy by as much as 14%.”
Avoid Excessive Idling
It’s tempting to keep your car on when you aren’t moving, especially in summer, but according to Edmonds, “A car engine consumes one quarter to one half gallon of fuel per hour when idling, but a warm engine only takes around 10 seconds’ worth of fuel to restart. Where safe to do so, shut off your engine if you will be stopped for more than a minute.”
Steer Clear of Traffic, When Possible
Look for other ways to stay out of peak traffic. For example, it helps to use “fast pass” or “express” toll lanes.
Keep Up With Tire Inflation and Other Maintenance
Having your tires properly inflated provides maximum fuel efficiency so you don’t waste gas. Keeping your car in shape with properly inflated tires and routine inspections is especially important to avoid higher costs later on.
Pay Attention to Acceleration and Deceleration
Experts advise being mindful of how you accelerate; take it easy on the gas pedal. Accelerating too fast will guzzle your gas. Driving smoothly and going easy on the acceleration and deceleration is better for your tires as well.
Also: Pay attention to traffic ahead and try to maintain momentum as you approach stoplights to avoid unnecessary stopping and going. It’s pointless and wasteful to race to a stoplight; let your car gradually slow down.
When you’re driving on the highway, use cruise control. It allows you to keep your speed consistent.
Use Recirculation in Warm Weather
As summer approaches and temperatures rise, it’s worth paying attention to your A/C usage to maximize fuel efficiency. If you’re driving in warmer weather and using the A/C, consider pressing that air-recirculation button.
“Cars typically are more fuel efficient when the air conditioner is set to re-circulate interior air,” The Wall Street Journal noted. “This is because keeping the same air cool takes less energy than continuously cooling hot air from outside. Of course, turning off the air conditioner saves even more fuel.”
Stop Getting Premium Gas
If you can fill your car with either premium or regular gas, Edmonds recommends going with regular. Opting for premium when your car doesn’t require it will only cost you money and doesn’t improve fuel economy.
