DETROIT (WWJ) – Gas prices continue to climb in Metro Detroit, with the area’s average sitting at nearly $4 per gallon.
Adrienne Woodley, a spokesperson for AAA, told WWJ on Monday that price is expected to keep going up, and it’s “going to be hard for everybody.”
Those rising gas prices highlight the need to squeeze every mile out of a gallon of gas, and experts with Consumer Reports are offering 10 tips to get the most out of a tank of gas. Every little bit counts when prices are this high.
1. Stay at half. The experts say drivers should keep at least a half-tank of fuel during the cold winter months. Drivers should also do this when there’s a risk of shortages – perhaps due to a lack of gasoline delivery drivers to meet travel demands, or even if severe weather is imminent, for example.
“This tip also goes for holiday road trips, when roads can be congested and slow moving. Having plenty of gas onboard can ease stress and give you more flexibility with when and where you fill up,” Consumer Reports says.
2. Check online. There are plenty of apps and websites – including GasBuddy – that can show drivers local gas prices, which makes it easy to find good places across Metro Detroit. Experts say gas stations that aren’t near major highways or city centers tend to have better prices, as do warehouse stores and some major travel centers.
3. Minimize travel. It’s not always easy to do, but experts say it’s important to combine trips to save on gas. If you can delay errands or other activities, you’ll preserve the gas you purchased and reduce overall consumption for the region. This helps to reduce in a small way the gas scarcity, Consumer Reports says.
4. Obey speed limits. Driving habits, including following the speed limit and driving smoothly can play a significant role in fuel economy, according to Consumer Reports.
“A recent CR test shows this: We measured gas mileage while driving at a steady 55, 65, and 75 mph in a Nissan Altima and Toyota RAV4. We found that reducing speed from 65 mph to 55 mph improved fuel economy by 6 mpg in the Altima and 8 mpg in the RAV4. The penalty of cruising at 75 mph, rather than 65 mph, was almost 7 mpg in the Altima and 6 mpg in the RAV4. Higher speeds exact a toll in fuel consumption. Another way to look at it: Speeding up from 55 to 75 mph is like moving from a compact car to a large SUV. Beyond fuel concerns, speeding is, of course, a safety risk.”
5. Drive evenly. Consumer Reports says to avoid hard acceleration and breaking, whenever possible. Tests showed frequent bursts of acceleration and braking reduced an older model Toyota Camry’s mileage by 2-3 MPG. Smooth driving also extends the life of a vehicle’s engine, transmission, brakes and tires.
6. Pay attention to aerodynamics. Drivers should remove roof racks when they’re not being used, CR says, because at highway speeds, more than 50% of the engine’s power goes to reducing aerodynamic drag.
7. Buy good-quality gas. Consumer Reports recommends using “Top Tier gas” – which is held to a higher standard and sold at gas station brands including Chevron, Costco, Exxon, Mobil and Shell. Many familiar brands don’t have Top Tier gas, CR says.
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8. Skip the premium gas. Unless it’s required for your vehicle, experts say it’s smart to save money and skip premium gas. It will be indicated on the fuel filler door if your vehicle requires it. Many cars list “recommended,” which means it is optional. If there is only midgrade or premium fuel available, this will work fine in a car that is rated for regular gasoline, experts say.
9. Check tire pressure. Tires can lose about 1 psi a month and having tires with lower pressure than what is recommended can affect fuel economy, performance and tire longevity.
10. Skip the AC. Experts say using the air conditioning consumes gas and in mild weather, if you can get by without it – even if you have to open the windows – it will give drivers savings, albeit incremental. When it’s hot, though, Consumer Reports says having AC on is “a wise investment in your comfort and ability to stay alert while driving.”
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