MarkChristopher's Blog

A full tank and an empty wallet — if you’ve got one, chances are you’ve got both. And with gas prices at record levels these days, you should probably get used to the condition.

 

This week, retail gas prices hit their highest levels ever — an average of $3.10 per gallon, according to the Department of Energy — and it’s unlikely that they’ll come down any time soon.

 

And they surely won’t come down today, which, as anybody with an e-mail account already knows is the day of the great American “gas out.” As such one-day boycotts have “exactly zero chance of having an impact on gas prices.”

 

So, what’s a road-tripping traveler to do? Make sure you’re getting the most out of every drop by driving smarter, maintaining your car better and knowing whose pumps have the best prices. You won’t take a dime out of Big Oil’s pocket, but you can save yourself hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars per year. Here’s how:

 

Saving at the pump
Know before you go: Gas prices at nearby stations can vary by $.20 or more per gallon. Ways to find out the best deal such as FOX 35’s Pump Patrol, or various websites.

 

Use the card: Discover, American Express and other credit card companies offer cards that provide cash rebates for gas purchases. Most give rebates of around five percent, although there are often restrictions on where and when you’ll get the full discount.

 

Use the other card: Several grocery chains offer fuel discounts to shoppers who join their loyalty programs.

 

Use common sense: Do use the right octane — higher grades rarely provide any benefit. Don’t top off your tank — it only leads to increased spillage and evaporation. Whenever possible, pump your gas during the early morning or late evening when cooler temperatures prevail. The gas will be denser, which means more of it will end up in your tank.

 

Saving on the road
Turns out your parents were right — you should lay off the jackrabbit starts and skid-mark stops. According to the federal government, aggressive driving can cut your fuel efficiency by as much as 33 percent. You don’t have to drive like Grandma, but with the typical fill-up costing $30–$50, Mom and Dad’s old advice takes on new relevance.

 

Slow down: Gas mileage decreases rapidly at speeds above 60 mph. At 65, the average car loses five to seven percent in fuel economy; at 70, as much as 15 percent. Drive 75 at today’s gas prices and you’re essentially paying an extra $.60 per gallon.

 

Lighten up: Stop-and-go traffic will always be annoying, but you can minimize the frustration by going with the flow instead of racing and braking every time the line inches forward. You’ll also improve in-town gas mileage by up to five percent.

 

Lose the load: A little junk in the trunk is one thing, but an extra 100 pounds of gear can reduce your fuel economy by up to two percent. If you don’t need it, leave it in the garage. The same goes for the roof rack: If you’re not actually using it, all it’s doing is increasing aerodynamic drag and lowering your gas mileage.

 

Saving every day
According to the Department of Energy, keeping your engine tuned correctly can increase gas mileage by up to four percent. For most of us, tune-ups are best left to the pros, but there are some easy steps you can take that don’t require a trip to the mechanic.

 

Up the airflow: A clogged or dirty air filter can cut 10 percent off your gas mileage. Fortunately, most are easily replaced.

 

Get pumped: Keeping your tires properly inflated can improve your fuel economy by three percent or more. They’ll last longer, too.

 

Be oil aware: Clean oil improves performance by reducing friction. Using the right grade can also improve gas mileage by one to two percent.

 

Drive less: I’m not suggesting you stay home, but if you make your trips around town more efficient (combining errands, driving during off-peak hours, etc.), you’ll have that much more money to spend when you’re ready to hit the open road.