In recent times we have all seen massive spikes in gas prices. While gas prices have created stress and frustrations when at the pump, it has left everyone wondering why, which is a reasonable question to ask. The situation with high gas prices did not happen overnight but has been building for decades. The United States depends heavily on other countries, such as Russia, Canada, Mexico, and Saudi Arabia for gas, but sources are becoming scarce due to increased demands in other countries.

During the summer months, the increased demand has always caused higher gas prices. The only thing that is different this year is gas prices were already too high and we may feel we need to adjust summer vacations slightly. Of course, I understand the desperate need for a vacation, especially for those who have children because the kids are on summer break from school. 

To help everyone beat the higher than we are used to gas prices, I am going to share a few tips that may help. I am sure there are many other ways, but these are tips I found through a little research. If you have any other suggestions, I would love to hear about them. 

1. Slow Down:

This is hard for me because I cannot help going a little faster than the speed limit. I always joke and say, the speed limit is just a suggestion or that I have a genetic disorder where my right foot is heavier than my left foot. Although I have never had a speeding ticket, I do not think the cops would find this funny or consider it to be a logical reason for going too fast.

Experts suggest that each 5mph you drive over 60mph is the same as paying an additional $0.15 per gallon for gas. Aggressive drivers who speed, have rapid acceleration and braking are wasting gas, which means they are also wasting money. 

2. Keep your vehicle’s maintenance updated:

This means we need to do regular tune-ups. It is also important to have a clean air filter, which is typically done when you get your oil changed. Randomly, check your tire pressure and be sure your tires are properly inflated. The proper tire pressure will be located on your tires. Also be sure you are using the proper grade of oil, which you should be able to locate in your vehicle driver’s manual.

3. Use your engine sensibly:

Avoid allowing your vehicle to idle excessively. This means you should not let your car’s engine run without moving for an extended period. When driving on the interstate, utilize your cruise control as much as possible. We normally maintain a constant speed on the interstate with limited stop-and-go traffic, so cruise control will not only help save on gas but can also help feet fatigue from constantly pressing down on the pedal. 

4. Drive Smarter:

Plan to do all errands at the same time, instead of making multiple trips out. This just requires a little better planning and time management. It might be more challenging because of COVID, but you can also try to carpool when possible. Anytime it is an option, try to telecommute. Zoom has been used much more frequently because of COVID. 

5. Lessen usage of the air conditioner:

According to GasBuddy, about 20% more fuel is used because of A/C usage. During the summer months, it is nearly impossible to not run the A/C, but we can try turning the A/C off when we are 5 minutes from our destination, parking in the shade or garage can be helpful. It is also important to keep the windows and moon, or sunroof closed when traveling at high speeds. 

Of course, I do not have to leave my house often because I work from home and get groceries delivered, but I do have to go to doctor’s appointments and pick up prescriptions for myself and my cat. Can you remember a time when gas prices were affordable? I can remember gas prices being under $1.00 a gallon when I first got my license. It has surely been crazy several decades, hasn’t it? Unfortunately, the chances of gas prices ever getting as low as they were when I first started driving are slim to none.

Thank you for visiting my site today. I hope you found what I have shared useful and please if you have any other suggestions I would love to hear your thoughts. We are finally able to enjoy the much-deserved weekend and I hope you are enjoying yours. Of course, two of my cats thought it was a brilliant idea to wake me up at 06:30 AM, which I definitely did not appreciate. It is a good thing they are adorable, and I love them as much as I do or I might be ready to kick them out of the house. I look forward to reading your comments and I will respond as quickly as I can. Please never forget that I am always sending y’all LOTS of love, comfort, support, and MANY positive vibes!

Always, Alyssa