gas - WKTV Journal

By Sheila McGrath
WKTV Contributing Writer

With everything going on in the economy and the world today, it’s hard to know what price you’ll see the next time you pull up to the gas pump.

While drivers can’t make the price of gas go down, they can take several steps to make each tank last longer.

Removing excess cargo in a car will help with making your gas last longer. (pxhere.com)

The U.S. Department of Energy has several tips online at fueleconomy.gov to help drivers stretch their gas dollars:

Slow down. Each 5 mph driven over 50 mph is like paying an additional $0.30 per gallon for gas, according to the site.
Don’t drive aggressively. If you’re speeding and rapidly accelerating and braking, you’re lowering your gas mileage by 15% to 30% on the highway and 10% to 40% in the city.
Get excess weight out of your car. If you’re carrying an extra 100 pounds of unneeded stuff in your trunk or your back seat, you could be lowering your gas mileage by 1%. Carrying cargo on your roof is also a sure way to lower your mileage. Remove cartop cargo boxes when they’re not in use – at highway speeds, they could reduce your gas mileage by 10% to 25%.
Turn the car off when you’re idling. It takes much less gas to restart your car than to leave it idling, which can use a quarter to a half gallon of fuel per hour.

Buying gas on days when it’s a few cents cheaper per gallon is another way to save.

According to GasBuddy, an app that provides real-time gas price information, Mondays and Fridays are the most economical days to buy gas in Michigan, followed by Sundays.

Thursday is the worst day to fill up in Michigan, followed closely by Wednesday.

In years past, Friday was one of the most expensive days. But that hasn’t been the case since 2021, according to GasBuddy analysts, who said the pandemic may have shifted people’s buying habits, affecting supply.

Oil and filter changes are key in helping your car maintain good gas mileage. (pxhere.com)

Regardless of which day you’re buying gas, it pays to check around for the best price.

The GasBuddy app and the AAA Mobile App both offer drivers a way to search for the best price in their vicinity.
According to AAA, some gas stations offer discounts for paying cash instead of using a credit card.
Enroll in gas station savings programs. If you like to visit the same station instead of shopping around for the best deal, enrolling in a savings program at one of the major gasoline providers can save you anywhere from 2 cents to 5 cents per gallon. The Penny Hoarder offers a rundown at https://www.thepennyhoarder.com/save-money/fuel-rewards-programs/

Keeping your car in optimal running condition can also increase your mileage. Autozone offered several tips in a recent news release to increase gas mileage by taking good care of your car.

Change your oil filter. A dirty oil filter makes the engine work harder, reducing power and fuel efficiency.
Keep your tires inflated to the proper pressure. You can improve your fuel economy immediately by up to 3.3% just by keeping your tires inflated to the proper pressure, according to Autozone. The correct pressure can be found in your car’s manual or on a sticker inside the driver’s side door jam.
If you’re due for an oil change, get it done. Oil changes prevent oil breakdown and the buildup of sludge over time. Some types of oil are designed to improve engine efficiency. Ask for an oil marked “Energy Conserving.”

DTE Energy offers tips and suggestions to help keep everyone warm this winter. (Pxhere.com)

By Amy LeFebre
DTE Energy

With winter temperatures returning to seasonal normals in Michigan and more people working from home due to the pandemic, residential energy use is expected to rise this heating season. This combination of cooler outdoor temperatures and higher energy use is expected to drive monthly energy bills higher than last year.

If Michigan experiences a typical winter, DTE Energy natural gas customers will spend, on average, $65 more over the six-month heating season compared to the same six-month period last year. This number could vary across the state in different temperate regions, but it comes at a time when many Michiganders are faced with job losses or income reduction due to the current economic crisis.

Assistance available

While DTE continuously works to keep energy affordable by passing its actual cost for natural gas on to customers with no mark-up, the company offers several payment assistance programs, including a Winter Protection Plan, Shutoff Protection Plan, and payment relief for those experiencing medical emergencies, for active military personnel, and for customers struggling during the pandemic.

The company offers tools and tips to help customers improve energy efficiency and cut heating costs while staying comfortable and safe this winter. Affordable tips such as sealing air leaks, using a programmable thermostat and replacing furnace filters when dirty, will improve energy efficiency. DTE recommends annual furnace tuneups and offers rebates for both the tune up and furnace replacement and can help customers find a skilled contractor to get the job done.

Make sure to check the thermostat to keep energy bills in check. (PxHere.com)

Consumers be aware

DTE will never call customers or come to their door asking to see their natural gas bill. Michigan residents and businesses have a choice in who provides their natural gas service and consumers may be approached by an alternative gas suppliers (AGS) to switch their gas provider. The Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) provides detailed information atCompare MI Gas to help make an educated decision. DTE offers lock-in protection to prevent an account from being switched without the customer’s permission. Call DTE at 800.477.4747 and ask to lock-in your gas supplier.

Safety is a Priority

Carbon Monoxide (CO) is called the silent killer because it’s colorless, odorless and tasteless. It can be fatal. If homeowners and businesses don’t already have a CO detector, they should get one. They should check the batteries in CO detectors regularly. Natural gas is safe and reliable, but like other fuels, it can produce carbon monoxide if it doesn’t burn completely. The only way to detect CO is with a carbon monoxide detector.

Keep natural gas meters clear of debris, snow and ice to ensure they function properly and protect your home or business from gas leaks and carbon monoxide buildup.

If you smell gas, leave the area immediately, call 911 and then call the DTE Gas Leak Hotline at 800-947-5000.

For more tips, visit dteenergy.com/gassafety and dteenergy.com/staywarm. For more details on how to read your energy bill, visit dteenergy.com/newbill.