Ways to save on gas ahead of summer travel season

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Drivers are facing rising gas prices as the summer travel season approaches, with experts warning prices could climb even higher ahead of Memorial Day and into early June.

AAA reported the national average price for regular gasoline was $4.53 per gallon, up 2 cents from the previous day and 42 cents higher than a month ago.

Gas prices in Philadelphia were down about 5 cents per gallon from the previous week because of a pricing pattern known as "price cycling," in which prices spike and then gradually decline before rising again.

"If there's not any new developments that continue to push oil down, we eventually could see prices jumping up here maybe ahead of Memorial Day or into early June," said Patrick De Haan of Gasbuddy.

Consumer experts and fuel analysts shared several ways drivers can reduce fuel costs, particularly during road trips.

One recommendation is to avoid buying premium gasoline unless a vehicle specifically requires it.

"You're not gonna get better performance. You're gonna get a better fuel economy. So skip the premium fuel as long as your car doesn't require it," said Mike Quincy of Consumer Reports.

Drivers can also improve fuel efficiency by removing unnecessary items from their vehicles, including roof racks and trailer hitch racks.

"Take off every excess roof rack or trailer hitch rack that you've got on your vehicle," Quincy said.

He added that even empty ski racks or bike carriers create aerodynamic drag that forces engines to work harder.

"About 50% of the engine power is used to overcome aerodynamic drag," Quincy said.

Experts also advised drivers to avoid filling up near interstate exits and in densely populated urban areas, where prices are often higher.

"Try to avoid going to gas stations near the interstate or other urban areas because those are where the prices are usually highest, especially right off the interstates," Quincy said.

Drivers may also be able to lower costs through loyalty programs, retailer memberships and fuel-price apps.

"If you're at a quarter tank or even at a half a tank and you're on a road trip, it's a great for looking down the road to see where those low prices are," De Haan said of the GasBuddy app.

De Haan also noted that GasBuddy offers a payment card program that can provide discounts.

"We also have a payments card that can save motors up to 33 cents a gallon with flash alerts," he said.

Some gasoline companies and retailers also offer discounts through membership programs. Shell offers new members 30 cents off per gallon on their third fill-up, while Walmart+ and Amazon Prime members can save 10 cents per gallon at participating stations.