According to a recent article from CNNMoney, the average American household spends $368 a month on gas. Prices at the pump continue to shoot through the roof, as of today the national average price per gallon has hit $3.98. The last time prices were that high was July 2008 when gas prices reached a record $4.11 a gallon.
See how your state stacks up, check out Gas spending and prices by state
Here’s a few tips to help you save money on gas:
Easy on the Gas Pedal: Aggressive driving has a drastic impact on your fuel efficiency. Riding the accelerator and brakes can be devastating to your gas mileage. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports that aggressive driving can lower your gas mileage by as much as 33 percent on the highway and five percent around town.
Slow Down: Most vehicles get the best fuel efficiency when driving between 45 and 55 miles per hour. According to AAA, if your average commute includes 20 miles of highway time and you drive at 60 mph instead of 70 mph, you’ll save approximately 1.3 gallons of gas every work week.
Reduce Idling: If you’re idling for more than a few seconds, turn off your engine. You can save gas waiting at a railroad crossing, waiting to pick someone up, even sitting at a long traffic light. Idling wastes more gas than turning off your engine and restarting it.
Use INRIX Traffic: The INRIX Traffic app helps you avoid getting stuck in traffic, saving valuable time and money at the pump. Real-time traffic information along with the forecasting feature lets you choose the best time to leave based and modify your route based on current and future traffic conditions.
Regular Maintenance: Take car of your car and follow a regular maintenance schedule. A vehicle that’s had its oil changed (along with a new, clean air filter) and tune-up will burn less fuel.
Consider Carpooling: By carpooling with just one other person, you’re cutting your fuel bill by 50% not to mention reducing your carbon footprint significantly.