fuel economy

FUEL PRICES 2022… WHAT TO EXPECT

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THE CURRENT FUEL SITUATION 

You and the other 228 million drivers in the US are by now wondering how long before gas prices drop. So here are the facts and a few helpful chasers to choke them down.

Remember when we had a backup plan for high gas prices? From 2009 – 2015 diesel fuel averaged 32 cents less than gas. Drivers in the 80’s and 90’s saw similar price comparisons.

 

Owning a diesel vehicle became a no brainer for saving on fuel costs. Not the case anymore as we see diesel prices creep up even higher than already crazy gas prices! In fact all fuel costs are susceptible to the current cause and effect.

We saw temporary relief when president Biden announced the release of federal reserve oil at the end of March, but that was it. Gas prices are on the rise again with no visible signs of stabilizing. Here’s what’s going on and what we can do to deal with it.

 

WHAT TO EXPECT

First, don’t expect those $2.89 per gallon prices of 2021 back anytime soon. From what analysts are saying, and this includes the Texas Oil and Gas Association, a steady decline isn’t expected while the war continues in the Ukraine. Personally, I would add that with transportation at a premium we should expect trucking, rail, and shipping to second that emotion and to promote high fuel prices even after the war has ended. It might be a good idea to settle in and begin formulating a strategy for saving on fuel costs.

 

WAYS TO SAVE 

Stay close to full: I like to keep my tank relatively close to full, when I notice a dip in prices I top off the tank. Never let it go below a half tank.

 

Use gas apps & points: GasBuddy and Waze are two popular options. Harris Teeter offers shopping points to save at the pump (We use this a lot). Costco and Kroger have similar programs.

 

Pay with cash instead of a card: Some stations offer a discount for your cash because it saves them on processing fees. Stations are dropping their price 5 cents per gallon on average. That’s significant on a full tank!

 

Drive at or below speed limits: Ever notice the difference in fuel mileage when you’re keeping it at 55? It’s pretty fantastic, try it. Also, try accelerating to speed less quickly to help.  A car’s gas mileage typically decreases at speeds over 50 mph. And for every 5 mph over that 50 mph speed limit that you drive, it’s like paying an additional $.20 per gallon. Frequent bursts of acceleration and braking reduced average vehicles mileage by 2 to 3 mpg.

 

Skip the premium: Save money and skip premium gas unless it is required. If there is only mid-grade, or premium fuel available, this will work fine in a car that is rated for regular gasoline.

 

Check tire pressure: Having tires with lower pressure than what is recommended on your door jamb sticker can affect performance, tire longevity, and fuel economy.

 

Station rewards program: Check at your local gas stops to see what discounts they offer with their rewards program.

 

“With transportation at a premium we should expect trucking, rail, and shipping to promote high fuel prices even after the war has ended.”

 

 

BOTTOM LINE

Settle in and pony up folks, it could be a long ride. We’ve all had to tighten our belts from time to time and this is one of those times. Looking for something with better gas mileage?

Call or text (757) 560-4252 and ask for Mike Love, I have answers. 

 

 

 

 

Sources:

Kellerman, Austin “Are gas prices going up again, yes and here’s why” Newsnationnow.com Posted: APR 29, 2022 / 09:38 AM CDT | Updated: APR 29, 2022 / 09:38 AM CDT Web. Retrieved from: https://www.newsnationnow.com/us-news/are-gas-prices-going-up-again-yes-and-heres-why/

Johncox, Cassidy “Gas prices: How the price per gallon has changed throughout US history” clickondetroit.com March 18, 2022 Web. Retrieved from: https://www.clickondetroit.com/money/2022/03/17/gas-prices-how-the-cost-per-gallon-has-changed-throughout-us-history/

Gillman, Steve/Dow, Nicole “How to save money on gas: 20 simple ways to save” thepennyhoarder.com March 25, 2022 Web. Retrieved from: https://www.thepennyhoarder.com/save-money/how-to-save-on-gas/ 

Trucks… Gas or Diesel?

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Every devoted truck owner favors a particular make, model, 4 or 2 wheel drive, and diesel or gasoline engine. Though we all have opinions on Gas vs Diesel when it comes to greater power, longevity, and fuel efficiency, we may not have all the facts. A shootout between these long time rivals should provide you with more ammo for pulling the trigger on Gas vs Diesel. 

 

Truck Wars

 

Henry Ford’s vision of a converted military truck for civilians came to fruition In 1917 when he produced what may be considered the first American made pickup truck — the gas powered Ford Model TT. Chevrolet answered back In 1918 with the Model 490. In 1925 Ford edged ahead of Chevrolet with the Ford Model T Runabout factory-built pickup, equipped with a four-cylinder 40 horsepower engine. Chevrolet answered with the Chevrolet Independence in 1931. This tug of war would continue until 1948 when Ford introduced the F-Series, which became the best selling truck in America and reigns supreme today. 

 

Gasoline

 

Today gas provides truck owners affordable fuel costs, a lower sticker price (as much as 2’500-4’000 less with the gap still widening), and lower maintenance costs. Gas scores more convenience points than diesel when it comes to availability on the road. Surprisingly the fuel economy advantage in light and medium duty diesel trucks is often less than 2 mpg. Gas engines have the edge when it comes to horsepower but diesel has the torque, so in short-term torque applications gas and diesel are equal. Gas may have the win in this class of truck being least expensive overall. 

 

Diesel

 

Diesel… according to Urban dictionary; Unstoppable at something, awesome or strong, physical power, great, cool, or sexy. That’s a pretty impressive resume for an engine from anyone’s point of view! The first production diesel engine was introduced by Benz in the early 1920’s while the US was still using gas powered trucks through the 1970’s. In 1983 Ford released the first Diesel F250 with the 420-cubic inch, 6.9L V8 diesel engine capable of putting out 175 horsepower and 318 lb.-ft. of torque. Followed In 1995 by the 7.3L turbo diesel “Power Stroke” engine packing 210 horsepower and 425 lb.-ft. of torque, available for the Heavy Duty F-250 and F-350 pickups. The Super Duty Diesel was here to stay. “By design, diesel engines operate with a combustion process that’s leaner, burning less fuel than a conventional spark ignition (gasoline) engine,” explained Roger Gault, technical director, Truck & Engine Manufacturers Association (EMA). Today diesel trucks are well known for providing enhanced towing and a greater engine life compared to gasoline. Whether it’s a Ford, Chevy, GMC, Honda, Jeep, Nissan, Ram, or Toyota, diesel packs a powerful punch but as the list below shows, not in every category. 

 

  • Fuel Efficiency: Compared to gasoline engines in most trucks, diesel engines earn an average of 30% to 35% greater fuel efficiency.
  • Fuel Cost Per Gallon: Most gas stations around have a diesel gas pump, but not all. Added with that inconvenience, diesel fuel is often more expensive on average than gasoline.
  • Towing Capacity and Trailering: Diesel engines have a torque advantage at a lower RPM than gas engines that is better suited to towing heavy loads than a gasoline engine. 
  • Maintenance Costs: Diesel engines are made from components that are difficult to find or may require more frequent repair costs due to the larger oil reservoir in diesel engines.
  • Engine Longevity: Diesel engines are often made from more sturdy materials and therefore, diesel engines last longer on average compared to gasoline engines. 
  • Environmental Impact: Due to diesel’s fuel economy advantage in long-term torque uses, it’s greenhouse gas emissions are comparable to gasoline in similarly equipped vehicles.

 

Only you can decide if gas or diesel is the better choice for you and your trucking needs , but thanks to a variety of options and clear differences in performance, fuel cost per gallon, towing capacity and long term maintenance costs we have winners on both sides. Have questions? Call or text Mike Love at (757) 560-4252, I have answers.

Keep on Truckin’ folks!

TM Auto Wholesalers, Chesapeake Va

 

 

Sources:

 

Mcbain02 “Diesel” www.urbandictionary.com June 11, 2013 Web.  Retrieved from: https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Diesel

 

Staff “Diesel vs trucks pros and cons” www.allenturnerchevrolet.com Web. Retrieved from:   https://www.allenturnerchevrolet.com/diesel-vs-gas

 

Smith, Alison “History of American trucks: past to present” www.cjponyparts.com February 5, 2020 Web. Retrieved from: https://www.cjponyparts.com/resources/history-of-american-trucks  | 

 

Staff “Pros & Cons: Diesel vs. Gas in Class 3-4 Trucks”www.worktruckonline.com November 3, 2011 Web. Retrieved from:  https://www.worktruckonline.com/147984/pros-and-cons-of-gas-vs-diesel-in-class-3-4-trucks