Lifestyle Financial Tips

Gas Prices Hit an All-Time High Last Month—Here’s How To Save Money at the Pump

Allie Flinn

April 24, 2022

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It's not just you—things cost a lot more than they did even a year ago. In the past 12 months, the consumer price index (CPI) has risen by 8.5 percent. Colloquially, that means things like groceries and gas are ridiculously expensive. The average price of gas in the U.S. is up 48 percent, with prices hitting an all-time high in March. Experts say that consumers may end up paying an extra $2,000 this year on gas alone. Here's how to save money on gas, so you don't spend a small fortune at the pump.

How to save money on gas

1. Combine trips

According to fueleconomy.gov, your fuel economy is worse when your engine is cold. Doing errands in several trips instead of one could end up costing around twice as much.

2. Don't drive like an a**hole

This one is pretty applicable at all times, but in this context, it can save you money. Aggressive driving can lower your gas mileage by as much as 15–30 percent.

3. Travel light

Don't leave the end table you bought off of Facebook Marketplace in your trunk for days on end; extra pounds in your car, especially in compact vehicles, can decrease your gas mileage by up to 25 percent.

4. Download one of these helpful apps

Apps like GasBuddy and AAA can help you find the least-expensive gas near you.

5. Keep your tires properly inflated

Under-inflated wheels can reduce the miles per gallon your car gets, while keeping them properly inflated can improve your gas mileage by up to three percent.

6. Slow down

Keeping your speed around 65 miles per hour on the highway can help increase your fuel economy by 15–20 percent. Time to put on that cruise control.

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