Three dollar gas getting close

We've been hearing for awhile now that gas might top the three dollar mark by Memorial Day as more drivers prepare for summer trips. And it's getting close. We found gas priced at well over $2.80 per gallon today. One Savannah station had gas at $2.89 per gallon.

Some analysts are already predicting the big oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico may affect gas prices as well. That's mostly ecause of the trading of oil on the commodities market. By the way, the price of oil is normally affected by the value of the dollar, so when it comes to the commodities market, there are a number of factors.

For those who would just like to be able to afford to gas up their cars, we have found that other than lowering our demand, that we don't always have a lot of control over price. Still, there are some maintenance items that can help you save a little each time you go to the pump.

The consumer group Angie's List offers this advice:

1) Regular engine tune-ups: Have your mechanic do a regular checkup two weeks before your trip. Annual, biannual and mileage-based preventative maintenance gives technicians the chance to uncover any problems in the early stages.

2) Monitor tire inflation and mileage: Regularly monitor your tire’s air pressure. It’s like pedaling your bike with a flat tire –you have to work harder and so does your car. Keeping your tires inflated to the proper pressure can increase your gas mileage up to three percent. Look on the driver’s side door jamb or in your owner’s manual for your vehicles recommended tire pressure.

3) Save the limbo for the beach: Don’t get below one-eighth of a tank of gas. Your fuel pump is located there and the bottom of the gas tank collects sediment from gasoline. When you run your car on low fuel, the pump can pick up the sediment and become damaged from it, which results in low fuel-efficiency.

4) Slow down:Speeding and rapid acceleration/deceleration can decrease your gas mileage – it’s bad for your transmission too. Avoid driving while you’re on the phone, not only is it unsafe, but it takes your attention away from how you are accelerating and decelerating.

5) Sleep all day, drive all night: Consider driving to your destination during non-peak hours. Nearly half the energy needed to power your vehicle goes in acceleration. Unnecessary braking wastes that energy.