6 Ways to Combat High Prices at the Pump

I don’t know about you, but in the last few months I have noticed that gas prices are going up. In fact, a recent article by AAA indicates we may not see relief for a while yet.

One of the reasons for the increase we are all feeling is the higher price the United States is currently paying for oil. Another could simply be an increase in demand.

Regardless of the reason, there are ways to combat high prices at the pump.

1. Make Miles Count

I live out in the country but still only a few miles from my hometown. Even though I don’t have to travel very far when I drive into town I still try to make each trip I make count.

Driving back and forth to town multiple times per day takes too much of my precious time. But in addition, the more times I drive back and forth the more it costs me.

Therefore, something I do to combat high prices at the pump is to combine my errands into one trip whenever it’s possible. I plan my route ahead of time to be more efficient and save on gas.

2. Take Care of Your Car

Another way to combat high prices at the pump is to take good care of your car. Keep up with routine maintenance. Get your oil changed regularly according to what your owner’s manual recommends.

Make sure you use the right kind of oil for your car. But don’t forget to change your fuel filter periodically and check the air pressure in your tires, too. Correct tire pressure can make a difference in the fuel efficiency of your vehicle.

When it comes to tires, good ones are also a wise investment. When you have quality tires you can get more miles per gallon in your travels. In fact, having a good set is one of the most important things you can purchase for your car.

3. Don’t Be a Rabbit or a Hare

Avoiding jackrabbit starts and screeching halts is another way to combat high prices at the pump. These types of driving behaviors burn your gas up quicker.

But another way I save is to use my cruise control whenever I am driving long distances. Keeping your speed at a steady pace helps your fuel efficiency and saves you money in the long run.

4. Pay Attention to Prices

Pay attention to price before you fill up your vehicle with gas. Try to get fuel early in the week because it will cost you less.

Check on the gas prices of more than one station before you get gas. If possible, fill more often and don’t get gas near a highway or edge of town. Even when you are on vacation it may be possible to boost your savings by driving another block.

Whatever you do, don’t wait until your car is sputtering to get gas. You may be tempted to fill at the first pricey station you run across when that happens. Poor planning like that will cost you more.

5. Turn Down the Air

Did you know that the more you run your car’s air conditioner the more it is costing you? You aren’t driving a refrigerator so don’t turn your car into one. Instead, keep it within comfort levels but not running full blast.

6. Consider a Different Car

If it seems as though your car is guzzling gas it might be time for a different vehicle. Think about buying a fuel-efficient model or a hybrid if you go car shopping.

It may be possible to buy a new car and actually save money in the long run due to increased fuel efficiency and less maintenance.

You may not be able to stop high gas prices.  However, there are ways to combat high prices at the pump so you can keep more money in your budget.

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What methods do you use to save when gas prices go up?