Trending Now - Rising Gas Prices Prompt Tips for Fuel Efficiency
WHO:
Michael Crossen, Consumer Reports’ manager of auto testing
Sean Tucker, managing editor for compact and full-size vehicles at Kelley Blue Book
David Bennett, AAA senior automotive manager
WHAT:
Gas prices hit $3.72 per gallon on March 16th, 2026, an increase of 70 cents, or about 25%, since the war in the Middle East started.
The U.S. Department of Energy states that properly inflated tires can improve gas mileage by about 3%, with some estimates suggesting an impact as high as 10%.
AAA reports that reducing highway speeds by 5 to 10 mph can improve mileage by up to 14%.
Aggressive driving practices can lower gas mileage by roughly 15% to 30% at highway speeds and 10% to 40% in stop-and-go traffic.
Experts suggest changing driving habits to stretch fuel amid rising gas prices.
Vehicles are designed for maximum efficiency at highway speeds of 65 mph (105 kph).
Estimates suggest that slowing down can increase gas mileage by as much as 14%.
Properly inflated tires can improve gas mileage by as much as 10%.
The average age of a vehicle on the road is about 12 years.
WHERE:
Detroit, Michigan
O’Hare International Airport, Chicago, Illinois
New York
Portland, Oregon
WHEN:
March 10th, 2026 (date of a photo at a gas station in New York)
March 4th, 2026 (date of a photo at a gas station in Portland, Oregon)
November 30th, 2025 (date of a photo showing heavy traffic at O’Hare International Airport)
WHY:
Rising gas prices increase the financial burden on consumers.
HOW:
Experts recommend coasting to a stop when approaching a red light to conserve fuel.
Recommendations include using cruise control, coasting to stoplights, and utilizing automatic start-stop ignition.
Drivers are advised to remove unnecessary accessories that cause drag and to avoid carrying heavy items.
Checking tire pressure every other fill-up is suggested to maintain proper inflation.
Carpooling and planning trips to reduce unnecessary driving are recommended.
Using apps like GasBuddy to compare local gas prices is encouraged.
(UPDATED March 16, 2026 17:19 UTC)
Gas prices have surged to $3.72 per gallon today, marking a significant increase of 70 cents, or about 25%, since the onset of the war in the Middle East. The U.S. Department of Energy highlights that keeping tires properly inflated can enhance gas mileage by as much as 10%, while AAA suggests that reducing highway speeds by 5 to 10 mph could improve mileage by up to 14%. To conserve fuel, experts recommend coasting to a stop when approaching red lights, as aggressive driving can significantly lower gas mileage.
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(UPDATED March 16, 2026 13:21 UTC)
In light of rising gas prices, experts from Consumer Reports, Kelley Blue Book, and AAA are recommending that drivers adjust their habits to improve fuel efficiency. They suggest that slowing down to highway speeds of 65 miles per hour can increase gas mileage by up to 14%, while properly inflated tires can boost efficiency by as much as 10%. To help manage costs, drivers are encouraged to use cruise control, check tire pressure regularly, and consider carpooling or planning trips more carefully.