Department of Consumer Affairs

Dealing with High Gas Prices

Save Gas As You Drive

• Don't idle. Engines "warm up" faster when driving. It's more fuel efficient to turn off the engine than to idle for long periods. Idling wastes fuel and money.
• Don't drive aggressively. Hard acceleration and breaking waste fuel.
• Drive no faster than the speed limit. Each 5 mph over 60 reduces fuel efficiency.
• Unload before you leave. At highway speeds, half of the engine power goes to overcoming aerodynamic "drag." Driving with loaded roof racks and even empty ski racks wastes gas.
• Turn off the air conditioner when you can. It robs power from the engine and uses additional fuel. If the weather permits, use the flow through ventilation system instead of rolling down your car windows.
• Buy regular. If your car specifies regular fuel, don't buy premium under the mistaken belief that your engine will benefit. If your car's manufacturer specifies premium, you may wish to contact the manufacturer to ask if it's all right to use regular instead. Most cars run fine on regular, which generally is less expensive than higher grades of gas.

Improving Vehicle Efficiency

• Check your tires. Under inflated tires require more energy to move the car, which wastes fuel. Check the tire pressure at least once a month, when tires are cold. Being under inflated by just 2 psi can increase fuel use. Replace worn tires with the same make and model tires as were on your car when it was new.
• Get a tune up. Maintaining your car with regular tune ups can save you money. A clogged air filter alone can rob fuel efficiency.
• Buy vehicles with excellent gas mileage, and drive your most fuel efficient vehicle whenever possible.
• Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for preventative maintenance.

Tips When Buying Gasoline

• Consider buying off brand gasoline, which most often is identical to what is sold at franchised gas stations.
• Look for the decal indicating that the gasoline pumps have been tested by the Office of Weights and Measures. Pumps are tested annually.
• Make sure the price advertised on street signs and pump signs is the same as the price showing on the pump itself.
• Make sure attendants have reset the pump to zero before filling your tank.
• Make sure that the pump does not report more gasoline than your car can hold.

• The total number of gallons you received corresponds with the total price you have been charged.
• The price the attendant says you owe matches the total sale price on the pump.
• The number of gallons, the price per gallon, and the total amount of the sale are usually printed on any credit receipts you sign, and remember to always check your receipt against your credit card statement.
• If your car starts "pinging" or "bucking" after you have filled your gas tank (especially with premium), the station may be selling gasoline with a lower octane rating than is stated on the pump.
• Whenever possible, watch as the attendant swipes your credit card. Unfortunately, it's becoming more and more common for dishonest attendants to swipe your card more than once, which results in extra charges showing up on your monthly credit card statement. Request a receipt to ensure you're being charged the correct amount.