(WDRB/InvestigateTV) — Drivers in most states are spending $10 more per week on gas than they were a year ago, according to a new NerdWallet analysis — an increase that adds up to hundreds of dollars more annually for many families.
Kim Palmer, a personal finance expert at NerdWallet, said inflation across multiple sectors is straining budgets this summer, from higher grocery bills to rising energy costs.
One of the most immediate ways to reduce fuel costs is to compare prices at nearby stations before filling up, Palmer said.
"One of the first things we can do is to just spend a little more effort shopping around for gas because sometimes if you drive to a different gas station — it’s still in your area — and it can save you significantly per gallon and that can really add up over time," Palmer said.
Apps like GasBuddy can help identify the lowest prices in a given area. Loyalty programs offered by stores and gas stations are also worth considering, particularly for drivers who regularly fill up at the same location. Rewards and discounts can accumulate week after week.
Driving habits also affect how much gas a vehicle burns. Palmer said removing heavy items from the trunk and avoiding aggressive acceleration and hard braking can improve fuel efficiency.
"Sometimes we’re carrying around some extra heavy items in the trunk of our car and that burns more gas," Palmer said. "Just driving more efficiently — so instead of aggressively accelerating and then braking hard, we want to try to drive smoothly because that uses less gas."
Regular vehicle checkups and inspections — at least once a year — can help ensure a car is running as efficiently as possible, Palmer said. A well-maintained vehicle gets more out of every gallon of gas.
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