Motorists across the U.S. have been driving by gas station after gas station with prices higher than $4 per gallon listed, and it might be tempting to let their tanks get close to empty. AAA wants those motorists to resist the temptation.
“When fuel prices rise, drivers often look for immediate ways to save money, and that can include delaying maintenance or stretching a tank of gas longer than recommended,” said Adrienne Woodland, spokeswoman for AAA. “Those short‑term decisions can lead to long‑term costs, especially during busy travel weekends.”
A record number of travelers are expected to head out of town over the upcoming Memorial Day holiday from May 21 through May 25, according to AAA predictions. Most of those travelers – around 39 million – are expected to drive to their destinations, making it one of the busiest travel times of the year.
As of this Thursday, average national gas prices in the U.S. were more than $4.50 per gallon. Since U.S. President Donald Trump announced that the U.S. had joined Israel to attack Iran in late February, gas prices have been going up. A travel blockage in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s key transportation routes for oil, has slowed the global supply chain for fuel, contributing to price increases.
“Gas prices are running at their highest levels in four years, so this year’s road trip is likely to cost more at the gas pump,” said AAA. It said that in Michigan, nearly half (47%) of motorists let their gas tanks get closer to empty before filling up when prices rise.
Motorists should keep their tanks filled, especially if they are planning significant travel. AAA explained that leaving fuel at low levels repeatedly can actually damage the fuel pump. Instead of saving money, that could lead to expensive repairs of $1,000 or more.
“AAA recommends refilling your gas tank before it drops below a quarter full,” said the auto club.
Deferred maintenance can also seem reasonable as inflation also bloats prices for food, further straining Americans’ wallets. Unfortunately, AAA noted that avoiding vehicle maintenance can end up costing motorists more money in the long run. Things like underinflated tires, worn engine components and dirty air filters and overdue oil changes can impact fuel economy, making every trip to the gas pump a bit more expensive.
“Skipping maintenance to save money often has the opposite effect,” Woodland stressed. “Poor vehicle condition can reduce fuel efficiency, increase breakdown risk, and lead to repair bills that far exceed the cost of basic upkeep.”
Vehicles in need of maintenance can also put travelers at risk on the road as they try to get to their holiday destinations. In fact, out of more than 350,000 roadside assistance calls nationwide over the 2025 Memorial Day holiday period, many were preventable, AAA said. These include dead batteries, flat tires, and overheating engines.
