With Gas Prices Surging, Tips For Saving At The Pump

By Josh Popichak | Saucon Source

The average price of a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline in the Philadelphia area is now a record $4.48, while nationally the average price per gallon has risen to a record $4.33.

The price of gas is not at an all-time high when adjusted for inflation, but it’s still high by most people’s standards, which is why the American Automobile Association (AAA) has shared some tips to try and help reduce the pain many motorists are feeling at the pump.

• Keep your vehicle in top shape with routine inspections and by keeping your car’s tires properly inflated. Underinflated tires can lower fuel economy.

• Before you head out on errands, map your route to minimize your mileage. Avoid driving during peak travel times and consider visiting “one-stop shopping” destinations where you can perform multiple tasks, such as banking and grocery shopping.

• Fuel economy peaks at around 50 mph on most cars, then becomes lower as speeds increase. Reducing your vehicle’s speed on the highway by 5 to 10 mph can increase fuel economy by as much as 14 percent.

• A car engine consumes one quarter to one-half gallon of fuel per hour when idling, but a warm engine only takes around 10 seconds worth of fuel to restart. Where it’s safe to do so, turn off your engine if you know you will be stopped for more than a minute.

• Use “fast pass” or “express” toll lanes to avoid unnecessary stops or slowdowns on the highway.

• Only use premium gas in vehicles for which it is recommended or required. Paying for premium gas for a vehicle that takes regular is a waste of money and is of no benefit to the vehicle.

According to a report published this week by MarketWatch, the price of gas would have to reach nearly $7 a gallon to match what it cost in the early 1980s, accounting for inflation.

Gas prices are expected to continue rising due to the war in Ukraine and a recent U.S. ban on Russian liquid fuel imports, although a majority of consumers surveyed by AAA say they plan to change their driving habits or lifestyle now that gas has topped $4 a gallon.

One way to reduce spending on gas is to utilize public transportation.

SEPTA officials said this week that bus lines, subways, and Regional Rail are back in operation after pandemic cuts.

“SEPTA is ready to accommodate riders who are seeking relief from high gas prices,” said SEPTA General Manager and CEO Leslie Richards. “We are committed to providing affordable, reliable, and safe service for our customers as we navigate through these challenging times.”

SEPTA said ridership is 50 percent of what it was before COVID-19, but scheduled have returned to near pre-pandemic levels.

The low ridership means there is plenty of room on SEPTA vehicles, officials said.

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