By Special to the Town Crier
Last week’s Tosco refinery fire in Carson was just the latest in a series of economic events expected to cause gas prices to rise.
The average price per gallon of regular gas in the Bay Area last week was $2.04. Nationwide, gas prices went up 13 cents to $1.67 - just 4 cents shy of last summer’s all-time high.
With the summer driving season just a month away, major oil companies are reporting huge fourth-quarter profits and prices are not expected to go down any time soon.
AutoTrader.com, an Internet automotive classifieds destination and marketplace in the United States, offers these tips to help Californians keep their wallets from being drained at the pump:
Steady driving. A 20 percent gain in fuel economy can be achieved by accelerating gradually and driving smoothly.
Keep tires in proper condition. Inflating tires to the maximum recommended pressure can improve gas mileage by as much as 6 percent; regular wheel alignments improve fuel economy nearly 10 percent.
Unload. Remove unnecessary items from the trunk and inside the vehicle - they add weight and decrease gas mileage. Every 200 pounds of unnecessary weight reduces mileage by a mile per gallon.
Be aware of weather and road conditions. Driving into a 20 mile per hour head wind reduces fuel economy by as much as 6 percent. Driving up a mountain road with a 7 percent grade cuts fuel economy by 20 percent or more. Driving on gravel and in snow also requires more fuel.
Use A/C only when necessary. Roll down windows and open air vents as often as possible.
Bring the car to controlled stops. Anticipate stops to avoid sudden braking; take a long view of the road ahead and coast toward an intersection when traffic is stopped.
Don’t speed. A car moving at 55 mph gets 15 percent better fuel economy than a car going 65 mph. Use a vehicle’s navigation system, if available, when traveling in unfamiliar territory. This can prevent getting lost, which wastes more gas.
Service the vehicle regularly. Keeping a vehicle well maintained keeps it operating efficiently and reduces fuel usage. Replace air filters and fuel filters regularly. A new oxygen sensor alone can improve gas mileage by as much as 15 percent.
Carpool. If vacation plans include large gatherings like family reunions, consider carpooling. Renting a multi-seat van also aids in maximizing fuel savings.
Plan ahead. Don’t stop fuel conservation efforts upon arriving at your destination. Combine errands into one trip rather than taking multiple trips from your hotel or campsite. Organize stops so they’re near each other and reduce retracing the same path.
Less traffic makes for smoother driving conditions. If possible, avoid driving during peak traffic hours.
Drive smart. Don’t idle too long. Don’t waste fuel by sitting in drive-through lanes - park and go inside. Don’t let vehicles idle while waiting for someone. Idling uses more fuel than turning the engine off and back on again.
Choose an inexpensive, nearby vacation spot. Save that trip to Hawaii for next year after the economy has (hopefully) settled down a bit. Instead, take a week-long trip to a state park or a theme park. Go camping and experience the great outdoors - and drive there rather than fly. Rising gas prices for your car usually also mean higher airfare tickets.
- Business Wire
