COLUMBUS, Ohio — With gas prices continuing to rise, many Ohioans are looking for ways to save money at the pump. Here are a few tips:
- Drive less. This may seem obvious, but it’s one of the most effective ways to save on gas. If you can, walk, bike, or take public transportation instead of driving.
- Carpool. If you have to drive, carpool with friends, family, or coworkers. This can save you money on gas and reduce your carbon footprint.
- Combine errands. When you do have to drive, try to combine errands so that you’re not making multiple trips. This will save you gas and time.
- Shop around for gas. Gas prices can vary from station to station, so it’s worth taking the time to shop around for the best price.
- Use a fuel-efficient car. If you’re in the market for a new car, consider buying a fuel-efficient model. This can save you money on gas in the long run.
- Get a tune-up. A well-tuned car will get better gas mileage.
- Keep your tires properly inflated. Underinflated tires can reduce gas mileage by up to 3%.
- Avoid jackrabbit starts and stops. Accelerating and decelerating quickly wastes gas.
- Use cruise control on the highway. Cruise control can help you maintain a steady speed, which can improve gas mileage.
- Turn off the air conditioner when you don’t need it. The air conditioner can reduce gas mileage by up to 10%.
- Keep your car clean. A dirty car can reduce gas mileage by up to 1%.
By following these tips, you can save money on gas and help your wallet weather the rising cost of fuel.
According to AAA, the average cost of a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline in Ohio is $3.357. This is up 10 cents from a week ago and 50 cents from a month ago. The national average price of gas is $3.526, up 11 cents from a week ago and 52 cents from a month ago.
The rise in gas prices is being driven by a number of factors, including the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, which has disrupted global oil supplies. Additionally, the U.S. economy is recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic, which is increasing demand for oil.
The surge in gas prices is taking a toll on household budgets and businesses that rely on transportation. Many consumers are already changing their driving habits, such as driving less and carpooling more, in an attempt to save money.
It is uncertain when gas prices will start to decline, but some analysts predict that they may peak in the coming months before starting to drop. Despite the uncertainty, AAA recommends that drivers continue to practice fuel-efficient driving habits, such as regular maintenance of their vehicles and avoiding aggressive driving, to save on gas costs.