How to Deal with Rising Gas Prices

Gas prices have been rapidly climbing, and the national average is the highest it has ever been. Knowing how to deal with these rising costs can be difficult, so we’ve compiled a list to help you save at the pump:

1. Check for the lowest fuel prices with an app – Apps such as GasBuddy (https://www.gasbuddy.com/) and Gas Guru (https://www.yellowpages.com/gas-guru-app) allow you to look at local gas prices on a map to help you located the best deals in your area. These apps work with your phone’s GPS app to allow you to navigate to the cheapest gas station with a single click.

2. Carpool with friends – Check with friends and neighbors to see if they are planning on traveling the same direction as you. Alternate who drives each day to help eliminate miles traveled on each vehicle. You will also be able to take advantage of the HOV lane to make travel even quicker!

3. Check your tire pressure – It may sound strange but having low tire pressure can affect your gas mileage. The U.S. Department of Energy states that for every 1 PSI drop in pressure, gas mileage decreases by 0.4%. This can add up quickly, especially if multiple tires are losing pressure. Keep your tires inflated to the correct pressure by checking the PSI values inside the driver side door on your vehicle.

4. Use public transportation – If you work in the city or plan on traveling to the city, public transportation can be a great value. You can save even more by purchasing multiple passes at a time or by buying an unlimited daily pass if you will be traveling a lot in one day.

5. Join a “Big Box” store to save on fuel – Big Box stores such as Costco and BJ’s offer special fuel prices, but to take advantage of these savings, you will need to be a member. If you aren’t currently a member, check to see if there are any introductory offers that offer membership at discounted rates.

6. Avoid idling – Depending on the size of your engine, idling can waste up to a half gallon of gasoline per hour. Not only is idling bad for your car’s fuel economy (you’re getting zero miles per gallon while it’s running), but it also puts unnecessary wear and tear on your engine and battery. It’s best to turn your car off instead of keeping it running.

There is no way of knowing when gas prices will begin to come back down, but with these tips you will be able to help minimize the pinch at the pump!