Pain at the pump!

It’s getting to be a pain at the pump as gas prices continue to climb.

According to AAA, the average gas rate for the area is $3.639 per gallon. That’s up 20 cents from the prior week, up 40 cents from last month and up 63 cents from last year.

The national average is $3.718 per gallon.

When will the climbing prices slow down? The forecast is June.

According to the Energy Information Administration (EIA), which has the official energy statistics from the U.S. Government, regular-grade gasoline is expected to average $3.52 per gallon for 2008, (71 cents above the 2007 annual average price).

The monthly average for regular-grade gasoline is projected to peak at $3.73 per gallon next month.

But “experts” and analysts feel it will be closer to $4 per gallon.

Craig Billings of Billings Service Station in Milaca believes no one really knows what the gas prices are going to be.

Ways to save

Want to know what that trip up north is going to cost you?

AAA offers a fuel cost calculator at www.aaafuelcostcalculator.com. It helps users budget for the amount of fuel they would use on a long distance trip. Users enter the trip’s origin and destination, and the type of vehicle being driven. The site calculates the miles driven, the amount of fuel that will be used and the cost.

It also can tell the difference in fuel costs for a variety of vehicles, to help determine which vehicle is the most cost effective to drive.

AAA offers these energy saving tips:

•Stick to a routine maintenance schedule. Keeping tires inflated, moving components properly lubricated and ignition and emission systems operating properly will help ensure maximum fuel efficiency and extend the life of your vehicle.

•If you own more than one vehicle, use the more energy-conserving vehicle as often as possible.

•Consolidate trips and errands to cut down on driving time and miles traveled. When possible, combine them with your daily commute.

•If you are going somewhere new, get a map first from an online source such as AAA TripTik (www.AAA.com). Getting lost wastes gas as well as time.

•Comparison shop by phone or online if possible before heading out on the road.

•Slow down. For most vehicles, fuel economy drops off significantly when traveling more than 60 miles per hour. As a rule of thumb, you can assume that each 5 mph you drive over 60 mph is like paying an additional 20 cents per gallon for gas.

•Avoid quick starts and sudden stops. They waste fuel, are harder on vehicle components and increase the odds of a traffic crash.

•Lighten your vehicle by cleaning out the trunk, cargo areas and passenger compartments. A heavier vehicle uses more fuel.

•Keep your eyes open for low fuel prices but don’t waste gas driving to a distant filling station to save a few cents.

Billings added that maintaining air pressure in your vehicle’s tires and replacing the vehicle’s air filter when dirty, are key ways to help reduce fuel consumption.

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