Howell Gas Prices Surge Past $4: Cheapest Pumps And Ways To Save

HOWELL, NJ — Fuel prices in the United States are skyrocketing, reaching levels not seen in nearly a decade and a half. The average price for a gallon of regular gas in Howell shot up from $3.76 to $4.38 in the past week, according to AAA.

The uncertainty of the oil market has resulted in higher gas prices throughout the year. However, AAA data, which tracks Howell's prices, shows how much has changed in the township:

Of course, the best way to save on gas is simply to avoid getting behind the wheel. Take advantage of public transportation, ride your bicycle or carpool with someone who owns an electric vehicle to work.

Those options may not be workable for everyone's lifestyle, so here are some other ways to save if you need to drive:

1. Search for the cheapest stations near you.

You can download a mobile app such as GasBuddy, Waze , or AAA Mobile that shows the cheapest gas stations in your area. Here are the cheapest options for a regular gallon of gas as of Thursday morning in Howell, according to GasBuddy:

• Delta (2001 US-9 N): $4.17
• BJ's Gas (5371 US-9 N): $4.18
• Wawa (4690 US-9 S): $4.29

Look for the cheapest gas stations along any routes you normally drive, The Penny Hoarder suggests. And don't wait until your tank is near empty to fill up.

2. Schedule your fill-up.

The day of the week you get gas could make a major difference, but the precise day is up for debate.

Wednesday is typically the best day to fill up for less, as prices seem to rise on Thursdays before weekend travel, automotive expert Lauren Fix told GEICO.

The Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis analyzed gas prices in its metro area from October 2015 to March 2016. The study found prices were lowest on Tuesdays and Wednesdays and highest on Fridays and Saturdays. Tuesday's gas was 8 cents per gallon cheaper than Friday's.

A 2019 GasBuddy analysis found Mondays and Tuesdays were the best days to save. Any way you slice it, getting gas earlier in the week seems to yield better results than saving fill-ups for the weekends.

3. Pay with cash.

While gas prices may be outside of your control, you can still carry cash. Some stations charge less for cash, because they save on credit-card fees.

4. Join a rewards program.

Many gas station chains offer fuel-rewards programs. So do some grocery stores — buy groceries, then redeem for gas. GEICO also suggests checking gift-card resale sites. You may, for example, find a gas card worth $100 for $90.

5. Don't top it off.

Stop pumping when you hear the first click, GEICO suggests. With people in New Jersey, where self-service isn't available (yet), make sure your attendant follows this rule.

Read more: NJ Self-Serve Gas Bill Is About Choice, Assemblymember Says

Those extra squeezes are likely to splash out or evaporate, according to the insurance company. Screwing the gas cap back until it clicks ensures fuel won't escape as fumes.

6. Follow the 10-second rule.

Don't idle. Idling drains your tank by a quarter- to a half-gallon per hour, whereas restarting only takes 10 seconds' worth of gas, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.

Even in the winter, there's little need to spend time "warming up" the engine before driving, according to GEICO. Most manufacturers recommend driving off gently after 30 seconds, the company says.

With reporting by Josh Bakan.