Michigan drivers are paying around $4 a gallon on average, and Consumer Reports says a few everyday habits can help stretch each tank.
AAA on Tuesday reported the average price of self-serve regular gasoline in Michigan was $3.93 a gallon, keeping pump prices near the $4 mark that has squeezed household budgets in recent weeks.
While drivers can’t control what stations charge, Consumer Reports testing found that changing how you drive, keeping up with basic maintenance and cutting unnecessary drag can translate into meaningful savings over time.
One of the biggest opportunities is slowing down on the highway, said Keith Barry, an automotive writer at Consumer Reports.
“So we actually tested this at our test track and found if you slow down from 75 to 65, you can save six or seven miles a gallon, depending upon the car you’re driving,” Barry said.
Barry said the goal isn’t crawling along — it’s driving steadily and avoiding aggressive habits.
“So it isn’t necessarily about driving 55 — but stay out of the left lane, cruise evenly, and you’ll save some gas and some money,” he said.
Acceleration style matters, too, because it directly affects how hard an engine has to work.
“The harder you accelerate, the harder your engine works — and the more gas it burns,” Barry said.
Smoother starts and steadier speeds can reduce fuel use and also limit wear on brakes, tires and engine components, Consumer Reports said.
Tire pressure is another key factor. Underinflated tires can reduce mileage and shorten tire life — and tires themselves are costly.
“Make sure that your tires are inflated properly — not only will you burn more fuel, but you’ll also wear out your tires. Tires are made from petroleum products too, so those are also expensive,” Barry said.
Consumer Reports also recommends removing gear that adds wind resistance when you don’t need it. Roof racks, cargo boxes and bike mounts can cut fuel economy more than many drivers realize.
“Keep in mind that anything you put on the car is going to increase drag and decrease fuel economy and sometimes in a big way. So, we found that if you’re driving around with 2 bikes on the roof, you can lose 13 miles a gallon. And also if you are driving around with an empty roof rack, you can lose five miles a gallon,” Barry said.
When it’s time to refuel, Consumer Reports suggests comparing prices among nearby stations. Apps such as GasBuddy can help drivers find cheaper options in their area.
Barry also recommends choosing a quality fuel standard that can help protect engines over time.
“We do recommend that you look for Top Tier gas. It’s gasoline with some added detergents that can protect engines from carbon buildup and that saves you money in the long run on repairs and it increases the longevity and life of your car,” he said.
And unless a vehicle’s owner’s manual calls for it, Consumer Reports advises drivers to skip premium gasoline.
For motorists looking for additional savings, the organization notes that big-box retailers such as Costco and BJ’s often post some of the lowest prices — particularly for drivers who already have a membership.