Although drivers can't do anything to change gas prices, there are certain steps they can take to maximize their fuel efficiency.
HILARY KINDSCHUH / Lincoln Journal Star | Posted: Tuesday, April 22, 2008 7:00 pm
Gas prices across the country have been setting record highs every day since Saturday, and Nebraska is no exception.
As crude oil prices hit $118.25 per barrel on Wednesday, state fuel prices increased another fraction of a cent to $3.504, said Rose White, spokeswoman for AAA Nebraska.
The cost of fuel here has climbed 26 cents in just one month, and it’s up 66 cents compared to this time last year, White said.
To put it in perspective: It now takes $9.90 more to fill a 15-gallon tank compared to one year ago, White said.
“It’s hurting everyone’s budget,” she said.
And it’s not likely to change any time soon.
In Nebraska, motorists can expect a peak range of $3.40 to $3.60 per gallon this summer for self-service unleaded gasoline, according to AAA.
Although you can’t do anything to change gas prices, there are some things you can do to save some money here and there:
* Pass on the premium. Very few current vehicles need high-octane premium fuels, which usually cost 10 to 20 cents more a gallon. Check your owner’s manual to see what fuel is blend recommended for your car or truck.
You can also save by using ethanol blends — as much as five to 10 cents a gallon at some pumps.
* Shop around. You can expect to pay higher prices at outlets along rural areas of the Interstate, in cities that require more costly reformulated fuel blends and in towns with fewer competing gas stations.
The lowest prices usually are at places that make a profit on the sale of other services or products, like car washes and food. Shopping for the best pump price can sometimes save you 5 to 10 cents a gallon.
* Avoid hard braking, fast acceleration, driving too fast and unnecessary idling. This wastes fuel. Avoid long drive-through lanes at fast-food restaurants, car washes or banks. Never leave your vehicle running unattended, even for a short time.
* Keep your vehicle in good working order. Check and replace your air filter twice a year, more often if you drive a lot on gravel or dirt roads. Tire pressure should be checked every time you get gas. Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. says that on average, drivers waste 10 percent of their fuel by driving on under-inflated tires.
* Combine errands. Do your grocery shopping on the way home from work instead of on the weekend. Carpool or use alternative transportation whenever possible.
* Don’t run too long on empty. Other than the obvious reason you’d want to avoid this, doing this for long periods of time may cause problems with your fuel pump or fuel injectors — and mean even more costly repairs.
* Buy a fuel-efficient vehicle. Go to www.fueleconomy.gov to take a look at how your vehicle stacks up in terms of efficiency. If it ranks low, you may want to invest in something that burns less fuel. That, or cling to hope that prices will drop back to an acceptable level.
Reach Hilary Kindschuh at 473-7120 or hkindschuh@journalstar.com.