How you can save money on gas as prices skyrocket amid the war with Iran

Drivers are looking at gas prices and shaking their heads. So, what are some ways to improve efficiency and save money on gas?

Experts have predicted gas prices could start ticking down this week, but even if the Strait of Hormuz opens again, real relief may take a while, according to Tim Smith, an adjunct professor of economics and pricing at DePaul University.

“We’ve got about two weeks before I expect to see any changes in the price,” Smith said. “It takes a while to empty out the Strait of Hormuz. It’s clogged up. It’s going to take a while to get it out to the market. Two to four weeks. Could take longer.”

If the deal with Iran completely falls apart, the prices will go back up.

As for how to save money, the U.S. Department of Energy says gas mileage can vary a lot depending on how and where a car is driven, and what condition the car is in.

Driving aggressively can lower gas mileage by roughly 15% to 30% at highway speeds and 10% to 40% in stop-and-go traffic. Avoiding rapid acceleration and braking can save drivers up to $1.53 per gallon.

Driving the speed limit can also save drivers money because each mile driven over 50 miles per hour is like paying an extra 27 cents per gallon, according to the department. Keep in mind the department’s calculations are based on the average fuel price is $3.83 a gallon, which is lower than the current prices nationally.

Frank Guske, the owner of Wells Automotive in Old Town, said in addition to regular maintenance, driving responsibly is the best way to improve gas mileage.

“Easy taking off, regulating speeds, cruise control when you can do it, air conditioning off when you don’t need it. Because even with the defrost on, that’s air conditioning because that dries the air out and that still sucks your gas mileage down,” Guske said.

There are other simple tips to save fuel: avoid idling and remove unnecessary items, especially heavy ones, because taking away an extra 100 pounds can translate to saving close to 7 cents per gallon. Drivers should also keep tires properly inflated and replace clogged air filters.