Gas prices have once again reached record highs in the U.S. and diesel prices are breaking records around the country as well.
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The national average price for a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline is now $2.376, according to AAA, while retail diesel averaged $2.466 per gallon – 63 cents higher than a year ago. The automobile agency blames crude oil prices of more than $60 a barrel for the rise in prices. The increase follows last week’s slight dip in the average price of gas, though that marked the only time prices decreased in nearly two months.
Problems, including fires, at U.S. refineries, as well as the recent shutdown of the U.S. embassy in Saudi Arabia as a result of terrorism concerns are among the reasons analysts are giving for the high prices.
California reportedly had the highest average prices in the U.S. with gasoline at $2.655 per gallon and diesel at $3.003 per gallon. Several other states saw local records, including Colorado, Oklahoma and South Dakota.
So what can drivers do to keep their gasoline consumption down? GasPriceWatch.com offers the follwing 10 tips to limit the gas market’s impact on your wallet:
1. Avoid High Speeds. As your speed increases, your aerodynamic drag increases in an exponential fashion. Driving 62 mph vs 75 mph will reduce fuel consumption by about 15 percent.
2. Don’t Accelerate or Brake Hard. By anticipating the traffic and applying slow steady acceleration and braking, fuel economy may increase by as much as 20 percent.
3. Keep Tires Properly Inflated. Keep tire air pressure at the level recommended by your vehicle manufacturer. A single tire under inflated by 2 PSI, increases fuel consumption by 1 percent.
4. Use A/C Sparingly. When the air conditioner is on it puts extra load on the engine forcing more fuel to be used (by about 20 percent). The defrost position on most vehicles also uses the air conditioner.
5. Keep Windows Closed. Windows open, especially at highway speeds, increase drag and result in decreased fuel economy of up to 10 percent.
6. Service Vehicle Regularly. Proper maintenance avoids poor fuel economy related to dirty air filters, old spark plugs or low fluid levels.
7. Use Cruise Control. Maintaining a constant speed over long distances often saves gas.
8. Avoid Heavy Loads. Remove the sand bags from your trunk in the spring and pack lightly for long trips.
9. Avoid Long Idles. If you anticipate being stopped for more than one minute, shut off the car. Restarting the car uses less fuel than letting it idle for this time.
10. Purchase a Fuel Efficient Vehicle. When buying a new vehicle, examine the vehicle's rated fuel efficiency. Usually choosing a small vehicle with a manual transmission will provide you with great fuel economy.