Gas Cost Calculator

This calculator can forecast gasoline costs based on journey distance, vehicle fuel economy, and gas prices in different units.

The cost of gasoline can fluctuate, but it remains a significant expense for most drivers. According to the American Automobile Association, an American motorist’s average annual gasoline expenditure is $3,000. The following is a list of practical techniques to cut gasoline expenditures.

Use public transit instead of driving yourself

Free public transportation is available in some areas. Most of the time, avoiding a car and taking public transportation like buses, trains, or trolleys can save money on gas.

The gasoline costs of running public transit are often lower than the fuel expenses involved with everybody driving their vehicle because of the communal character of ride-sharing. Considering the price of owning or renting a car is even more of an incentive to use other forms of transportation.

Carpool

Carpooling is a way for several people to arrange to share a vehicle for a trip to a specific location. It is usually far more efficient than two individuals driving different automobiles to the same place.

Invest in a car that is more environmentally friendly

A smaller automobile makes a massive difference in gasoline costs; a compact sedan costs approximately half as much as a big SUV. Don’t waste your money on an eight-cylinder machine if you only need four. Even if you’re often transporting heavy loads, the additional expense of a larger engine translates into a higher gasoline bill.

Tune-up the engine

A well-tuned engine optimizes power while also improving fuel efficiency significantly. You may achieve an average of 4% improvement in the gas economy by repairing a vehicle that is clearly out of tune or has failed an emissions test. You can achieve a 40 percent increase in mileage by fixing a maintenance issue, such as a defective oxygen sensor.

Check tires

Regularly checking your tire pressure is essential for maintaining optimal vehicle performance and safety. Properly inflated tires can improve your vehicle's fuel efficiency by up to 3%. It's important to note that tires naturally lose about 1 PSI (pounds per square inch) per month, and tire pressure is further affected by temperature fluctuations — it tends to drop in colder conditions due to the air contracting.

To ensure accuracy, inspect your tire pressure when the tires are cold, at least once a month and ideally every week. This practice not only aids in fuel conservation but also contributes to even tread wear, prolonging the lifespan of your tires.

While many gas stations offer air compressors, their calibration can be inconsistent. After filling your tires, always confirm the pressure with a reliable tire gauge. Remember that the inflation levels specified by the manufacturer apply to cold tires. If you must adjust tire pressure after driving, the general rule is to add 3 PSI to compensate for the increase in temperature.

Avoid relying on the maximum pressure detailed on the tire sidewall; this number is not the recommended driving pressure but the maximum pressure the tire can hold. Always adhere to the vehicle manufacturer's recommended tire pressure settings for the best performance.

Use the proper engine oil

Use the manufacturer’s suggested motor oil, and you’ll get a 1 to 2 percent increase in gas mileage. Using 10W-30 motor oil in an engine built for 5W-30 will lower your gas mileage by a significant amount.

You can achieve a 1% to 2% decrease in the gas economy by using 5W-30 in an engine for 5W-20. The API performance mark shows that motor oil is “Energy Conserving” if it contains friction-reducing additives.

Make sure you plan your journey well

Driving a shorter distance is the most apparent strategy to conserve gas.

Make a detailed map of your trip. Today’s GPS route planners make it simple to determine the straightest path possible with the fewest detours. You may predict which route will be less congested by looking at traffic patterns. When workable, choose highways instead of city streets or local roads. The consistent pace of motorways helps maximize fuel economy.

Try to park conveniently and walk or use public transportation between appointments when driving in a city. Gas mileage suffers when you’re stuck in a city traffic jam. You’ll also save gasoline because you won’t have to park and pull out of a lot.

Factors influencing the price of fuel

Involvement of the state

Gasoline taxation may affect prices for customers both inside and outside of governmental jurisdictions. Similarly, the government may provide financial help to specific industries to encourage commercial activity (a subsidy). Subsidized goods and services are often sold at a lower cost.

Capital markets

The price of oil throughout the world is continually fluctuating. Brent and West Texas Intermediate (WTI) is the most commonly cited crude in US dollars per barrel. The variation in the global oil price has a significant impact on the retail price of gasoline.

Politics

Events, structures, regimes, and individuals impact gasoline prices. Nations can wage war over resources or create trade alliances, both of which affect the price of gasoline. Gasoline prices may be affected by a change of political leader who does not believe in climate change to one who does. The latter may be less inclined to subsidize or reduce the cost of fuel to consumers.

Geographical location

Oil is abundant in certain places of the earth, but there is none in others. Because of the ease of access, customers in areas with plentiful oil supply benefit from lower gasoline prices. Fuel can be prohibitively expensive for places without a reliable oil supply cut off from the rest of the world. Pacific Islands can be an example.

Disasters caused by natural causes, such as bad weather

Natural disasters like earthquakes, tsunamis, hurricanes, and extensive floods can affect gasoline production, manufacturing, and logistics, affecting the fuel price.

Tropical storms and earthquakes can cause oil refineries to shut down, leading to higher gasoline prices. Due to heavy snowfall and other extreme weather conditions, highway closures can make transporting resources challenging and raise gasoline prices.