By Lauren Fix, The Car Coach
Gas prices are reaching record levels across the country. The national average price for a gallon of regular gasoline is $4.32. One year ago this week, a gallon of gas cost $2.86. The last time prices were this high was just prior to the Great Recession in 2008.
Prices have effectively doubled in some parts of the country since last year, and it’s weighing on consumers across the country. For every $1 per gallon in fuel cost increases, it costs the average consumer $500 per year. So, with gas being up almost $2 per gallon, the typical American is spending around $1,000 more this year just on gas.
The cost of gas, as it reaches the end-consumer in the U.S., involves a complex mishmash of crude oil prices, taxes and other costs. Crude oil costs account for 56 percent of the end cost of a gallon of regular gasoline. Refining costs account for 14 percent, distribution and marketing costs eat up another 16 percent, and taxes amount to 15 percent.
Check out these four hacks to save money at the pump:
Chill out behind the Wheel
Aggressive driving burns through gas more quickly. Lay off the gas, ease up on the brakes and aim for a smoother ride whenever you’re behind the wheel. Stick to the speed limit, and use your cruise control when you can.
Maintenance is Critical
Small problems affect a car’s fuel efficiency, so make sure you’re taking care of any small problems that arise and sticking to a regular maintenance schedule. An incredibly easy thing drivers can do is to check their tire pressure, which can lead to better fuel efficiency.
Use the correct tire pressure listed on the sticker inside your driver’s side door. That number is the correct tire pressure for your car’s year, make and model. Get a pressure gauge, and check it when the car is cold. Properly inflated tires can save you one to two miles per gallon.
Take the Junk out of your Trunk
Your car faces wind resistance as it moves down the road, and drivers can burn less fuel by making it as light and aerodynamic as possible. That can involve getting rid of bike racks, golf clubs, kids sports gear or storage containers left in your vehicle.
Stick to a 30-second Rule
Don’t let your vehicle get zero miles to the gallon. You shouldn’t let your car idle.
Forget the drive-through, park your car, go inside, and get what you want. If you’re sitting in line, you’re getting zero miles per gallon.
The same goes for warming up your car before leaving, or even waiting to pick up your kids from school. If you’re idling, you should shut off your car. If it sits more than 30 seconds, shut the vehicle off.
While these tips may make only a marginable difference in fuel costs, they can develop into habits that can pay off over time — for you, and your budget.
Here’s an extra tip. Don’t forget to shop around for gas prices by using club discounts and apps like Gas Buddy to save money.
Lauren Fix, The Car Coach®, is a nationally recognized automotive expert, analyst, author, and television host. A trusted car expert, Lauren provides an insider’s perspective on a wide range of automotive topics and aspects, energy, industry, consumer news, and safety issues.
Lauren is the CEO of Automotive Aspects and the Editor-in-Chief of Car Coach Reports, a global automotive news outlet. She is an automotive contributor to national and local television news shows, including Fox News, Fox Business, CNN International, The Weather Channel, Inside Edition, Local Now News, Community Digital News, and more. Lauren also co-hosts a regular show on ABC.com with Paul Brian called “His Turn – Her Turn” and hosts regular radio segments on USA Radio – DayBreak.
Lauren is honored to be inducted into the Women’s Transportation Hall of Fame and a Board Member of the Buffalo Motorcar Museum and Juror / President for the North American Car, Utility & Truck of the Year Awards.
Check her out on Twitter and Instagram @LaurenFix.
