Gas prices are climbing again, reaching nearly $5 a gallon in some parts of Akron Friday afternoon.

That’s a change of more than $1 a gallon in about a week. Across the state, the average hovered around $4.83 on May 1.

As fuel costs increase, many drivers are looking for ways to cut back on their usage. Simple steps like maintaining vehicles properly, adjusting driving habits or using apps to find cheaper stations can help stretch each gallon further. 

For many across Northeast Ohio who rely on driving for work, school and daily errands, even small increases in gas prices can quickly affect household budgets. 

Here are some ways to save money at the pump and reduce fuel costs.

Customers fill their tanks at the Circle K gas station on East Market Street in Middlebury. Gas prices in the Akron area neared $5 per gallon on Friday, May 1.
Customers fill their tanks at the Circle K gas station on East Market Street in Middlebury. Gas prices in the Akron area neared $5 per gallon on Friday, May 1. (Screenshot via Google Street View)

Improve driving habits as gas prices rise

Driving at steady, moderate speeds can help save gas. Higher speeds increase air resistance, forcing your engine to work harder. For example, driving 75 mph instead of 62 mph can reduce fuel efficiency by about 10%.

Aggressive driving (speeding, rapid acceleration and braking) wastes gas, according to the U. S. Department of Energy. Gas mileage can drop by roughly 15% to 30% at highway speeds and 10% to 40% in stop-and-go traffic.

Frequent braking and inconsistent speeds can also waste fuel. Maintaining a steady pace — especially with cruise control on highways — can improve efficiency over longer trips.

Idling, or sitting in your car with the engine on while waiting, burns fuel without moving the vehicle. If stopped for more than a minute, it is often more efficient to turn the engine off and restart when ready to move again.

Keep vehicles in good condition

Underinflated tires can reduce fuel efficiency. The U.S. Department of Energy reports that for every 1 PSI (pounds per square inch) a tire is underinflated, gas mileage can drop by about 0.2%. Properly inflated tires can improve fuel efficiency from about .06% to up to 3%. 

Carrying unnecessary weight can also lower fuel economy. Fuel efficiency drops by about 1% for every additional 100 pounds in a vehicle. Extra weight — including items in the trunk or on roof racks — can also reduce aerodynamics, forcing the engine to use more fuel.

Removing unneeded items, such as sports equipment or cargo boxes, can help improve efficiency and lower fuel costs over time.

Use air conditioning wisely

Air conditioning can increase fuel use, so using it in a smart way can help save gas. At lower speeds, rolling down the windows is often more efficient — at highway speeds, using the A/C is usually the better option.

To reduce how much the A/C has to work, parking in the shade or using a sunshade can keep the car cooler before driving. Letting hot air out by briefly opening the windows can also help the cabin cool faster once the A/C is turned on.

It is also more efficient to start driving before turning on the A/C, rather than idling with it running.

Consider cycling and walking as alternatives to driving

Finding other ways to get around can help reduce fuel costs, especially as warmer weather makes biking and walking more practical.

For shorter distances, walking or biking can eliminate fuel costs entirely.

Carpooling can significantly reduce expenses by splitting fuel costs and cutting down on trips. Public transit is another option. In the Akron area, Akron METRO RTA offers routes across the area, with passes often available at discounted rates. First-time riders can find helpful tips here.

Reduce trips and plan ahead

Planning errands in advance can help cut fuel use. Combining stops — such as going to the grocery store on the way home from work — reduces the number of miles driven.

Preparing lists or organizing tasks ahead of time can also prevent extra trips. Fewer drives mean lower fuel costs, and those savings can add up over time.

Find cheaper gas prices and earn rewards

Gas prices can vary from one station to another, even within the same area. Before filling up, drivers can compare prices in real time using tools like the AAA Mobile App, AAA TripTik, GasBuddy, Waze and Gas Guru.

Loyalty programs at gas stations and grocery chains offer per-gallon discounts based on everyday purchases. Most programs are free to join and apply savings automatically.

Here are some examples: 

At participating Love’s Travel Stops locations, members of AAA can receive additional discounts by linking accounts through the Love’s Connect app.

Apps like Upside offer another option, providing cash back after fuel purchases at participating stations.

Credit card rewards can also help reduce costs. Some cards offer higher cash back or points on gas purchases, allowing drivers to earn rewards each time they fill up.

Contributor (she/her)
Shams Mustafa believes journalism can help communities navigate complex issues and access support. As a freelance journalist at the Wooster Daily Record, she worked to report with clarity and empathy to help readers navigate the systems that affect their lives, using her skills as a storyteller. Now, she brings those skills to Signal Akron as a contributor. She holds a Master of Arts degree in journalism from Kent State University and has been recognized for her work by the Ohio Associated Press Managing Editors.