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This article was originally published on the KSL Cars Resource Center; read the original article here.
The price of gas has been on the rise for several years now — even before an Executive Order banning the import of Russian oil went into effect in early March. Automobile travel scaled back sharply in 2020. When drivers hit the road post-quarantine, supply and demand issues caused gas prices to rise.
Drivers all over the country are experiencing sticker shock, including Utahns. American Automobile Association reported prices at the pump in the Beehive State averaged $0.12 a gallon more than those nationwide on March 22, 2022.
Prices are coming down slowly, but are expected to rise again as they typically do for the busy summer driving season. As prices continue to fluctuate, maximizing every dollar — and therefore every mile — becomes especially critical when budgets are tight and time off school and work presents an opportunity to travel.
The best ways to save money on gas
Your fuel-saving strategy is likely to include a combination of techniques related to vehicle upkeep and your driving behavior. Increase your fuel efficiency with these tips.
Vehicle upkeep
Tire pressure
For most passenger cars, the recommended tire pressure ranges from 32 to 35 pounds per square inch. In the United States, a tire pressure monitoring system became mandatory for vehicles produced after September 2007. If you drive an older vehicle, you'll want to check your pressures the old-fashioned way with a handheld gauge.
Maintenance
Get a tune-up. Over time, regular use contributes to diminished efficiency of your car's motor. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, a drivetrain that is properly tuned can contribute to a fuel economy gain of upwards of 4%. Keep an eye on the condition of your spark plugs, air filter and motor oil. You'll save on gas as a result.
Lighten the load
Ditch anything you might not need to be lugging around in the cabin (or on the rooftop). This applies to ski racks that can give you an aerodynamic disadvantage when not needed. The more easily you slip through the wind, the more money you'll save on gas.
Driving behavior
Plan ahead
One of the easiest ways to save money on gas is to be smart about how often, when and where you are driving. Traveling at off-peak or low-traffic times, combining trips and avoiding crowded roadways are great ways to save on gas.
Compare prices
Consider downloading a smartphone app like GasBuddy, which gives GPS-based information about fuel prices in your immediate area.
Pay attention to your speed
Cruise control is your friend. Whenever possible, strive to maintain a constant speed on surface streets or the interstate. Changing the pace leads to added work for your car's motor and therefore increased fuel consumption. Also, keep the speeds low for max efficiency.
Avoid idling
In some vehicles, a 15-minute drive-through wait can burn a quarter-gallon of gas. Better yet, park the vehicle and go inside if you can.
Consider a trade-up
Ready to replace your gas guzzler with a new ride altogether? Consider a hybrid for your next car, or even a plug-in hybrid designed to provide an all-electric range of travel before needing to sip from the gas tank. As of summer 2021, there were 35 different new plug-in hybrid vehicles available for sale in the United States.
When you're ready to browse listings, KSL Cars allows you to filter your search by Fuel Type and there are over 1,000 hybrid models currently listed for sale. Check and see if you find something that fits the bill for your needs.
This article was originally published on the KSL Cars Resource Center; read the original article here.
