Gas prices have increased about 10 cents across Kansas this past week, according to AAA’s Fuel Gauge Report.
Despite the increase, Kansans are paying far less on fuel this year than compared with recent years. The average for regular unleaded gasoline is $2.45 a gallon in Kansas and $2.71 a gallon nationally. A year ago, the same fuel would cost about $3.41 a gallon in Kansas and $3.65 in the U.S.
MORE TRAVELERS
This year, AAA predicts that 37.2 million people will travel 50 miles or so from home – marking the highest most holiday travel volume in 10 years. About 87 percent of those people will be driving to their destinations.
TROUBLE ON THE ROADS
Some drivers won’t be so lucky behind the wheel this weekend. AAA expects to rescue at least 350,000 motorists for roadside assistance. Some of the big problems they’ve seen in the past include dead batteries, lockouts and flat tires. The company recommends people get a full vehicle checkup before traveling.
IMPROVING FUEL EFFICIENCY
– Getting gas in the morning. Some argue that filling up a tank in the morning—when its cool outside—can result in a bigger bang for your buck. The belief is that because gas expands when its warmer, you’ll be able to get more fuel out when its cooler. According to Consumer Reports, that is partially true. In an Aug. 2008 report, the organization revealed that most fueling stations keep gas in underground tanks that maintain a steady, cool temperature. If the main fuel tank at a gas station is recently refilled, the temperature can be warmer. “When gasoline rises from 60 to 75 degrees F, for instance, it increases in volume by 1 percent while the energy content remains the same,” the report states.
– Check your tires. Keep your tires aired at the recommended pressure. Car experts say you should make sure your tires are aired up to the pressure suggestion for the tire – not necessarily the car.
– Reduce that extra weight. If you have a trunk full of things you don’t need for your trip, be sure to remove it before you hit the road. A roof rack can also slow you down. When a car has a rack or a car-top carrier added to it, it could cut down gas mileage by 5 miles per gallon. Cars with two bike racks can see a 15-mile per gallon difference overall, according to Consumer Reports.
Slow down. Consumer Reports tests have found that driving faster can cut your fuel efficiency. Driving a steady speed can help with giving you more miles per gallon of gasoline. “The drop in fuel economy while going from 55 to 65 ranged from 4 to 8 mpg,” the organization reported in April 2014. “Upping the speed from 65 to 75 cut it 5 to 7 mpg more. Overall, speeding up from 55 mph to 75 is like moving from a compact car to a large SUV.”
THE BEST GAS REWARDS PROGRAMS
For those who love to get an extra discount at the pump, we’ve compared information on two popular programs: Quik Trip and Kwik Shop fuel rewards cars.
QUIK TRIP
Points per dollar: 1 point for every $2 spent.
How much you can save: Up to an entire tank of gas. You will have to pay tax, which will be 1 cent per gallon.
How many gallons apply: You can redeem up to 20 gallons worth of gas. If you have any extra after you redeem, those will stay on the card.
How long your points last: They last up to a year on your card.
Check your Quik Trip points: http://qt-rewards.com
KWIK SHOP
Points per dollar: 1 point for every $1 spent at Dillons or Kwik Shop. Often, you can earn extra points for purchases in store pharmacies and with buying gift cards. Dillons sometimes offers specials for its rewards program.
How much you can save: Up to $1 total off each gallon of gas.
How many gallons apply: You can redeem up to 35 gallons worth of gas. Extra points will stay on the card.
How long your points last: Points will stay on your card until the month after you earned them.
Check your Kwik Shop points: http://bit.ly/1PwBFOD