Ways to Save at the Pump | Video

Amy Fox | 8/13/2012

Gas prices are on a rise all across North Dakota. In Minot, unleaded gas costs around $3.79 per gallon, which is about 10 cents more than the national average.

Higher gas prices means one thing: spending more money at the pump.

"I think it`s 30 cents more a gallon than it was about a month ago. So, it`s gone up significantly in the last week," said Minot resident Shirley McMillan.

In just a week, gas prices in North Dakota have went up by nearly nine cents, which is causing Minot residents, like McMillan, to cut back.

"I bundle my trips and I plan my trips,” she said. “I try not to jack knife, jack rabbit starts, and stops. I try to drive moderately."

BUntil the price comes back down, there are ways to save when fueling up.

"Even your driving habits will affect your fuel economy,” said Ryan Chevrolet Marketing Manager Joel Sandy. “You know, when you`re at a stop light, don`t step on the gas too quickly. When you`re slowing down, don`t slam on the brakes. You can coast at stops and starting smoothly, that will improve your fuel efficiency."

Keeping up on the basics, like oil changes and your tires, can help increase your vehicle`s fuel efficiency by nearly 30 percent.

"The more efficiently your vehicle runs, obviously, the less fuel it will take. So, the more you pay attention, like I said, to the small things, the tire inflation, the tread life, the oil changes, the basics, that will keep your vehicle running as efficiently as possible, which in turn means using less fuel," said Sandy.

If you’re sick of filling up the gas tank, there`s another option for you: the electric car.

“It is a 100 percent electric,” said Sandy. “You can plug it in at night. It can go about 40 miles on an electric charge."

But, for people like McMillan, they`re looking ahead to the future of gas prices.

"I hope it goes back down to $3.49, or underneath that."

With higher government standards in place, more fuel efficient vehicles are being made to help you get better gas mileage.

To track the latest gasoline prices in Minot, go to: www.NorthDakotaGasPrices.com.

If you have a Smartphone, you can also download the GasBuddy app for free.

COMMENT ON THIS STORY

BACK TO NEWS | BACK TO MINOT STORIES