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Community Corner

Filling Up Costly as Gas Prices Soar

Prices the highest in three years, and could be going higher.

For the first time in nearly three years, the monthly average for gas climbed above $4 per gallon, according to a Thursday AAA press release.

In McHenry County, the average price for regular unleaded gas is $4.04 per gallon, which is 40 cents higher than last month's average and $1.01 more than motorists were paying in April 2010, according to the news release. Prices at area stations ranged Thursday between $3.97 and $4.10 per gallon, according to Gas Buddy website.

Some experts are saying prices could hit $5 per gallon by Memorial Day, while others are predicting that is unlikely, according to a CBS Chicago

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The AAA press release explains that the higher prices have to do with “unrest in the Middle East” and a switch to a more expensive blend of gasoline, according to the AAA news release.

“Gas prices have risen $.81 since the beginning of this year alone, and with the summer demand season upon us, there’s no relief in sight, unfortunately,” said Beth Mosher, director of public affairs for AAA Chicago, in a press release. “Consumers can get better bang for their gasoline bucks by slowing down, ensuring their tires are properly inflated and consolidating their errands.”

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The average price for regular unleaded gas for nearby counties is:

  • Cook County: $4.20. That is up $.42 from last month and $1.04 from last year.
  • Kane County: $4.06. That is up 40 cents from last month and $1.04 from last year. 
  • Lake County: $4.05. That is up 41 cents from last month and $1.03 from last year.

Tips to Save Money at the Pump

The U.S. Department of Energy offers the following tips to help motorists drive more efficiently and save money on gas:

  • Remove excess weight: The Department of Energy suggests unloading unnecessary heavy items from your vehicle. An extra 100 pounds in your vehicle could reduce your miles per gallon by up to 2 percent. 
  • Avoid pedal-to-the-metal driving: Observe the speed limit and avoid going over 60 mph. The Department of Energy estimates that every 5 mph over 60 mph you drive is an additional 25 cents per gallon for gas. Using your cruise control can also help maintain a constant speed.
  • Curb road rage: Speeding, rapid acceleration and braking wastes gas and can lower your gas mileage by 33 percent at highway speeds and by 5 percent around town.
  • Inflate your tires: Gas mileage can improve by 3.3 percent by keeping tires inflated to the proper pressure.
  • Get a tune up: Fixing a car that is noticeably out of tune or has failed an emissions test can improve gas mileage by 4 percent. Replacing a faulty oxygen sensor can increase your mileage by as much as 40 percent. 
  • For commuters: Carpool, avoid peak travel hours, consider working from home if your employer allows it or consider public transit.

For more tips on how to save money on gas, visit the Department of Energy's website. To view area gas prices, visit www.gasbuddy.com.

How high would gas prices have to go for you to consider changing your driving habits? Have you already started to evaluate when you drive? Tell us in the comments.

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