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Samantha Hayes Reporting Across the country the average price of gasoline is nearing three dollars a gallon. In Utah the price of gas is 30 cents higher than this time a year ago. Here are some tips to save money that don't include driving around town for the best price, or waiting in line to fill up.
A study done by a popular automobile website when we were facing the same surge in gas prices last year found the best way to save you money is not where you fill up, but how you drive.
Gas saving tips were tested and the number one thing you can do is stop driving aggressively. Do not accelerate as fast, and brake easy. Edmunds.com found that can save you as much as 37 percent in fuel economy.
Also, obey the speed limit. By trying to get there even just a little faster it is costing you in gas, and possibly a speeding ticket.
Using cruise control when appropriate will save you gas by smoothing out driver "surging." However, using it up the canyon roads will use lots of extra gas.
There is a common misconception that turning off the AC and driving with the windows down will save gas and therefore money, but that's not so. With modern cars, the difference is pennies, and having the windows down increases drag. So be comfortable and leave on the AC.
It's a pain to remember, but tire pressure is also important, not only for fuel economy but especially safety.
And also keep in mind how often your car idles, like when you are waiting at the bank or for fast food. If you think it will be more than five minutes, turn the car off.
The number one thing, again, is driving the speed limit and not braking and accelerating aggressively.
When you do have to buy gas, there are a few things you can do to save there too. Consumer Analyst Brett Tanner says avoid buying gas near the freeway, those prices are usually higher, same with gas stations near airports. Tanner also recommends trying to find independent gas stations that can usually set their own price a little bit lower.
"Mid-week is generally the best time to buy gasoline and in the morning."
Here's a look at the lowest gas prices we could find:
Cheapest Gas Prices
Cache County (Logan) $2.47
- Flying J, 1905 S. Hwy 89
Davis/Weber County (Bountiful) $2.31
- Maverik, 1500 S. Main St.
Salt Lake County $2.43
- Holiday Oil, 1316 W. 9000 South
Utah County (American Fork) $2.25
- Tesoro, 312 N. West State Rd.
Southern Utah (St. George) $2.45
- Flying J, Interstate 15, Exit 4
Diesel: (Park City) $2.79
- Sinclair, Bell's at Rt. 40 & Silver Creek Rd.
Call the KSL 5 Gas Hotline at 575-5559 with your low gas price finds...
