Over the past month nationwide gas prices fell 29 cents a gallon according to the AAA Fuel Gauge Report.
The highest recorded average for regular unleaded gas in California was four dollars and 60 cents per gallon back in June. Slowly but surely motorists have felt a decline at the pump as prices have dipped below four dollars a gallon for the first time in months.
Skyline students are happy to hear the news about potential relief at the pump.
“I am very relieved to hear that gas prices are going down because I drive for both me and my friend,” said Kim Ison, 19, a sophomore at Skyline. “I pay attention to gas prices and when they go up my wallet cries.”
According to the AAA survey, oil prices have declined as commodities investors worry that the high price of fuel is causing drivers and businesses to cut back on the use of gasoline.
Here at Skyline, students have felt the affects of the high gas prices as well.
“Gas prices are still high,” said Tareq Rantisi, 19, a sophomore at Skyline. “If I put 20 gallons of gas in my car it only saves me a couple of bucks. I’m really trying to count every penny.”
Rantisi believes there are three key aspects that will help bring down the cost of gas. First and foremost, he believes the war must come to an end. Secondly, people need to watch what they are getting taxed on at the pump. Lastly, he feels it is important that people know why they are paying so much in the first place and how the international economy affects our local gas prices.
However, Hurricane Gustav could pose a threat to the dropping fuel prices if it hits the oil and gas operations in the Gulf area.
But authorities don’t seem too worried with the prospect of the looming hurricane. Gas prices are expected to fall to the three dollar mark by the end of this year, according to AAA officials.
“I think it’s good that we are paying less for gas,” said Amandeep Singh, 27, a full time student who drives to school from Brisbane four days a week. “I hope gas continues to fall to around three dollars a gallon.”
Here are some simple tips to improve your fuel economy and make your gas dollars go further as posted by gaspricewatch.com:1. Avoid “revving” the engine, especially just before you switch the engine off; this wastes fuel needlessly and washes oil down from the inside cylinder walls, owing to loss of oil pressure.
2. Eliminate jack-rabbit starts. Accelerate slowly when starting from dead stop. Don’t push pedal down more than 1/4 of the total foot travel. This allows carburetor to function at peak efficiency.
3. Avoid prolonged warming up of engine, even on cold mornings – 30 to 45 seconds is plenty of time.
4. Don’t start and stop engine needlessly. Idling your engine for one minute consumes the gas amount equivalent to when you start the engine. Avoid the drive through at the fast food restaurant.
5. Slow down when possible – driving 55 mph can save up to 10% on gas mileage vs. driving 65 – 70 mph. This is due to wind resistance.
6. If your car has an overdrive gear, use it. Traveling at fast rates in low gears can consume up to 45% more fuel than is needed.