Whether you’re traveling or staying at home, gas prices are something to consider. After all, filling up your tank is a major household expense. As I’ve blogged about before, gas prices tend to fluctuate wildly over the years and from place to place. FYI - South Carolina generally has the lowest or among the lowest gas prices in the United States. So a stay in SC vacation rentals makes a smart economic choice, to boot. A penny saved in a penny earned…and waste not, want not. So while on the subject of gas prices and usage, I’ve come across some interesting and helpful information on how to save on gas in general, no matter what the current fluctuating price might be. There’s wisdom here for whenever you are driving around in your car - whether you’re on vacation or just heading to work during the daily grind. No sense in spending more money or using up more natural resources than necessary.
What day of the week are gas prices the lowest?
First off, WHEN you fill you tank makes a difference. According to GasBuddy, generally the best day of the week to fill your tank is Monday, although it varies by state. Monday is the best in South Carolina for lowest gas prices. And the morning is better than the afternoon, when gas prices may hike. Fridays and Saturdays are generally the highest, as stations try to take advantage of weekend travelers. If you switch from Friday afternoon to Monday morning to fill up on gas, you could save $20 to $30 annually.
The lowest day for gas prices and the best day to buy gas, according to state:
Monday: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Florida, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wyoming
Tuesday: Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Georgia, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Wisconsin
Wednesday: Hawaii
Sunday: Utah
Here’s the whole story from USA Today.
How to get more mileage out of the gas you do buy:
Following are some concrete suggestions from the Associated Press. Stay cool: The air conditioner wastes gas, but so can keeping the windows down. In hot weather, the Energy Department recommends keeping windows open when driving at lower speeds and the air conditioner on low when driving faster. Price check: Smartphone apps such as GasBuddy, Waze and Gas Guru can find the gas stations near you with the lowest prices. Don’t speed: Every 5 mph that you drive over 50 is equivalent to paying an additional 17 cents per gallon for gas, according to the Energy Department. Keep tires inflated: When tires don’t have enough air, it forces the vehicle to use more energy to move. Tires that are properly inflated also last longer. Keep it light: Don’t leave heavy items you don’t need in the trunk. Additional weight is a gas sucker, especially for smaller cars. And keep cargo or containers you don’t need off the roof. Carrying stuff up there makes a car use more energy to overcome the air drag. Turn it off: When you’re parked and sitting in the car, turn the engine off. So remember - drive smart, and the planet will be a better place. And you’ll save a little money on gas in the process. And be sure to call EP when you’d like to book a great beach house near some of the best gas prices in the land. All best, Lowcountry Lisa your Isle of Palms vacation blogger