Hurricane Harvey has caused gas prices across the nation to skyrocket. Nearly 30% of the United States’ refining capacity along the Gulf Coast has shut down or slowed. With Irma’s destruction following right behind, there’s no sign of it stopping.
According to AAA, a gallon of regular gas increased almost five cents to $2.45 a gallon in the last week of August. And experts from the Oil Price Information Service say those high prices could stick around for several weeks.
While prices at the pumps are climbing around the country, the Southeast has been hit the hardest; and those out West may see a shocking jump in the future. This makes driving efficiently even more important for Arizonans. Here are some helpful tips that will help save you gas on your next trip:
Plan your route before you go. When you head out to run errands, you could end up driving back and forth after passing a store you meant to go to. Take the time to plan your route in advance, and you’ll save gas and time!
Do all errands at once. While you’re at it, save your errands for one afternoon. Short trips use much more gas than long ones do, especially if you’re stopping and starting your car a lot.
Don’t idle. Idling is just as bad as starting your car several different times. Not only does idling waste gas, but it’s also very bad for the environment.
Follow the maintenance schedule. All vehicles come with a maintenance schedule stating when tires should be inflated or aligned, when air filters should be replaced, and when the oil should be changed. Keeping up with maintenance will make the entire car run more efficiently, which includes saving gas.
Get rid of the roof rack. Roof racks really inhibit the efficiency of any car, as they provide one more thing working against the wind. It doesn’t make sense to have them on when they’re not in use, so take them down.
Don’t stomp on the pedals. Drivers have the tendency to stomp on the gas pedal when going through green lights, and then slam on the brakes when they approach a red light or stop sign a few minutes later. This jackrabbit move not only wastes gas; it could also cause an accident.
Drivers should be careful at all times they’re out on the road. While this does include obeying traffic laws, it also includes maintaining their vehicles in a manner that is both safe and efficient. If you’ve been in an accident, and you think another driver is to blame for any reason, contact The Husband and Wife Law Team at Breyer Law Offices, P.C. We know the law, and we work hard for those we represent.