> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://student-pulse.ghost.io/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Gas Budget 101: How to Save Money on Gas This Holiday Season - URL: https://student-pulse.ghost.io/gas-budget-101-how-to-save-money-on-gas-this-holiday-season/ - Published: 2026-10-20T19:22:21.000Z - Updated: 2026-10-20T19:22:21.000Z - Author: Julian Cruz *Commuting to classes? The gas pump may dent your wallet. But, we have some tips on how to save.* Gas prices have continued to climb heading into the end of 2026, with prices exceeding $4 per gallon here in Las Cruces. As of October, it's reached as high as $6 per gallon in some larger metropolitan areas. With prices remaining unpredictable and the holiday season approaching, millions of people will be hitting the road to visit friends and family over the next couple of months. That leaves us asking two questions: Why is gas so expensive, and how can I get the most out of what I’ve got? As a fellow DACC student trying to make ends meet like everyone else, I put together *Gas Budget 101* to share some of my favorite tips for saving money and conserving fuel this holiday season. Whether you're commuting to those classes, driving to work, or taking a road trip, every little bit helps! ## 1\. Download GasBuddy to Find Cheaper Gas My first recommendation is to download an app called GasBuddy (not sponsored), available on both Apple and Android devices. GasBuddy allows you to find nearby gas stations, compare fuel prices, and identify cheaper places to fill up. Personally, this has helped me save money on everyday fill-ups and during the various trips I take for both work and fun. The app also offers trip planning features that can help you find fuel stops along your route. Imagine Google Maps, but with a focus on finding affordable gas! GasBuddy works with community effort. When users notice a price change at a station, they report updated prices to help other drivers save money, too. Some features and rewards may require an account or participation in eligible programs. You'd be surprised how helpful it can be to compare prices before pulling into the first gas station you see. A few minutes of planning can make a difference, especially when you're filling up a larger tank or traveling long distances. ## **2\. Ease Up on the Gas Pedal** This might be the hardest tip for all my speed demons out there, but slowing down can make a noticeable difference in fuel economy. An analysis published in *Transportation Research Part D: Transport and Environment*, along with guidance from the U.S. Department of Energy's FuelEconomy.gov, highlights how aggressive driving including speeding, rapid acceleration, and hard braking can significantly reduce fuel economy. Depending on the vehicle and driving conditions, aggressive driving can lower fuel economy by approximately 15%–30% at highway speeds and 10%–40% in stop-and-go traffic. That means aggressive driving can burn through a lot more fuel than necessary. For example, traveling at 75 mph instead of 62 mph can increase fuel consumption by roughly 20% in a typical illustrative comparison. On a 15.5-mile trip, driving at the higher speed would save you only about two minutes while using considerably more fuel. So, the next time you're tempted to put your foot down, remember that those extra few miles per hour might not be worth the money you're burning through. Accelerate smoothly, maintain a steady speed, and give yourself enough room to brake gradually. ## **3\. Keep Your Tires Properly Inflated** One of the easiest ways to help maintain your vehicle's fuel efficiency is to keep your tires inflated with the manufacturer's recommended pressure. Underinflated tires create additional rolling resistance, meaning your engine has to work harder to keep your vehicle moving. That extra effort can increase fuel consumption and cause your tires to wear out faster. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, keeping your tires properly inflated can improve gas mileage by around 0.6% on average, with some drivers seeing improvements of up to 3%. Check your tire pressure regularly, especially before a long road trip. You can usually find the recommended pressure on the sticker inside your driver's door or in your owner's manual. **Pro tip:** Check your tire pressure when the tires are cold, and don't automatically use the maximum pressure printed on the tire's sidewall. The recommended pressure on your vehicle's door placard is the number to follow. ## **4\. Use Your Air Conditioning Wisely** Air conditioning makes driving in the New Mexico heat much more comfortable, but it can also increase fuel consumption, especially in hot weather and during certain driving conditions. When driving around town at lower speeds, opening your windows may help reduce fuel use by avoiding the need for air conditioning. However, at highway speeds, open windows create additional aerodynamic drag, which can also reduce fuel economy. The best option depends on your vehicle, speed, temperature, and driving conditions. At highway speeds, using the air conditioning with the windows closed can sometimes be more fuel-efficient than driving with the windows open. If you use your AC, try the recirculation setting once the cabin has cooled down. This helps recirculate already-cooled air instead of continuously cooling hot air from outside. The goal isn't to make yourself miserable just to save a few dollars. It's to find a comfortable balance between staying cool and avoiding unnecessary fuel consumption. ## **5\. Replace Your Engine Air Filter When Needed** Another maintenance item worth checking is your engine air filter. As dirt and debris accumulate, a filter can eventually become restricted and affect engine performance. Replacing it when necessary, helps your engine receive the airflow it needs to operate properly. However, replacing a dirty air filter does not necessarily improve fuel economy by 15%. Modern fuel injected engines generally compensate for normal airflow restrictions, so a new filter may not produce a noticeable mileage improvement unless the old one is excessively dirty or causing a problem. Still, checking your air filter is a simple maintenance task that can help keep your engine running as intended. Follow the replacement interval in your owner's manual and inspect it more frequently if you regularly drive on dusty roads. ## **6\. Check Your Gas Cap** A loose, damaged, or missing gas cap can allow fuel vapors to escape and may trigger your vehicle's check-engine light. After filling up, make sure your gas cap is tightened properly. If your vehicle has a capless fuel system, check the system for damage or debris if you suspect a problem. A faulty gas cap doesn't automatically mean you'll lose a specific number of miles per gallon, but replacing a damaged seal can help prevent vapor leaks and keep the evaporative emissions system working correctly. It's a small thing to check, but it can help you avoid unnecessary repairs and warning lights. ## **7\. Stay on Top of Oil Changes, Spark Plugs, and Sensors** Routine maintenance plays an important role in keeping your vehicle running efficiently. **Engine oil:** Using the correct oil grade and meeting your manufacturer's recommended service intervals helps reduce friction and protect engine components. Using the wrong oil or neglecting oil changes can affect engine performance and longevity. **Spark plugs:** Spark plugs ignite the air-fuel mixture inside your engine. Worn or damaged plugs can cause misfires, rough running, and wasted fuel. Replace them according to your vehicle manufacturer's maintenance schedule. **Oxygen sensors:** These sensors help your engine control its air-fuel mixture. A failing sensor can contribute to poor fuel economy, increased emissions, and a check engine light. If you notice these symptoms, have the vehicle diagnosed rather than replacing parts without confirming the problem. These maintenance items might not all produce immediate savings at the pump, but keeping your vehicle in good condition can help prevent bigger problems and unnecessary expenses down the road. ## **Make Every Gallon Count This Holiday Season** At the end of the day, saving money on gas isn't about finding one magical trick. It's about making several small changes that add up over time. Compare prices before filling up, avoid unnecessary speeding, maintain proper tire pressure, and stay on top of routine vehicle maintenance. Planning your trips and combining errands can also help you avoid unnecessary driving. As students, workers, and families prepare for the holiday season, every dollar saved can go toward something else that matters, whether that's groceries, everyday expenses, a road trip, or getting that special someone an awesome gift. Good luck this holiday season, Aggies! Travel safely, take care of your vehicles, and have fun out there. [11 Useful Ways to Improve Your Gas Mileage | Hennessy Ford Lincoln Atlanta](https://www.hennessyford.com/11-useful-ways-to-improve-your-gas-mileage.htm?srsltid=AU7gw4VKQCwa3%5FkRfYmbgas3aLk%5FnvQ1moUbp0yBVfkwKME%5FjB80K4zZ&ref=student-pulse.ghost.io) [Fuel-efficient driving techniques - Natural Resources Canada](https://natural-resources.canada.ca/energy-efficiency/transportation-energy-efficiency/personal-vehicles/fuel-efficient-driving-techniques?ref=student-pulse.ghost.io) [Fuel Saving Tips | University Fleet Management | Nebraska](https://fleet.unl.edu/fuel-saving-tips/?ref=student-pulse.ghost.io) [AAA Fuel Prices](https://gasprices.aaa.com/news/fuel-saving-tips/?ref=student-pulse.ghost.io)