Gas Prices make your Car Nervous

This morning as I sipped on my coffee and watched my favorite show: The Today Show. I responded with an eyebrow raise while watching the section on rising gas prices in not only the DFW area, but...well, everywhere. It's strange to think, "oooh, that's a good price" for $3.49 a gallon with my Kroger card. And then, panic stricken, I thought of the Summer of 2008 when I drove a pick up truck and gas was $4.50 or something ridiculous like that, and I felt like I filled up 3x's a week.

After doing some research I've found a few tips on how to keep your bank account in the clear while continuing to drive...sit tight.

A news station in Beaumont KFDM clocked in with some very helpful info...

"The state average increased by eight cents over the past week to $3.51 [uhhh, yikes] a gallon for regular unleaded, while the national average rose six cents to $3.61. In Texas, Fort Worth has the most expensive gasoline at $3.58 a gallon, which is 14 cents higher than last week. Dallas is not far behind at $3.57 [congratulations us], up 13 cents in a week."

WHY?

• summer blend gas. this blend of gas burns cleaner in warmer weather and reduces air pollution. This can cause a 10-15 cent raise, but this happens every summer.

• Oil prices continue their upward climb. they hit as much as $2 a barrel, which is the highest they've been since September 2008.

• Unrest in Libya, Crisis in Japan...our world is in a bit of turmoil, expect gas prices to probably continue to rise.

I do have good news, though. Some tips to keep your vehicle as fuel efficient as possible.

• Drive the speed limit. Studies show that driving between 45-60 mph can increase your car's fuel efficiency by 23% Wow!

• Clean out the trunk. An extra 100 pounds in your vehicle could reduce your fuel efficiency by up to 2 percent. And who likes that junk back there anyway?

• If you have a GPS, use it before you start driving. Plan the quickest and shortest distance to your destination. Some GPS even have "green" routes - most fuel efficient routes.

• Maintain your tire pressure at the recommended level. If you drive a Hyundai and exclamation point will appear [!] if your tires need some serious air. keep your eyes peeled!

•Get a Hyundai Elantra! 40 miles per gallon. seriously.

So then, maybe you should trade in your pick up - like I did - and consider driving a more fuel efficient car that you don't need to skimp on. Click here to see our inventory.