With everyone feeling the pinch of gas prices lately, it's easy to start looking for cheap gas stations in your area or using a website, such as GasBuddy.com, to find low gas prices. In a recent conversation with Dr. Richard Cohen, associate professor of mechanical engineering at Temple University, who helped us debunk some common "tips" for improving gas mileage, he reminded me that driving a few extra miles to buy cheap gas may not be worth the savings.
Gas Prices Soar at the Pump
In Philadelphia, where he lives, many residents are driving about 10 miles across the river to New Jersey, where gas prices are about 20 cents cheaper per gallon. Since, on average, it would take about a half gallon of gas to make the round trip, the extra cost is about $2 to get a $4 savings, netting only $2 extra savings, which residents need for the $2 minimum toll to cross the river to get to New Jersey! Doesn't make a lot of "cents," does it?
There are much better ways of saving money on gas and improving your gas mileage. Check out our top tips in our recent article: Gas Saving Tips that Make the Most "Cents'"... and Ones that are "Non-Cents." Also be sure to take a look at all of the new hybrid cars on our website at NADAguides.com, the leading online car buying guide.