If filling up has started to sting lately, you're not imagining it. As of September 25, 2026, the AAA national average for regular gas is about $4.49 a gallon, and prices have kept creeping up all month.
We can't do anything about oil markets. But you have more control over your gas bill than you might think. How you drive, how you take care of your vehicle, and how you plan your week all affect how far each gallon gets you.
Here are some practical ways to spend less at the pump, starting today.
Drive Like There's an Egg Under the Pedal
Quick starts, hard stops, and speeding burn through fuel fast, especially in stop-and-go traffic. The fix is simple: accelerate gradually when the light turns green, and when you see a red light ahead, ease off the gas early and coast instead of braking at the last second.
Bonus: smoother driving is easier on your brakes and tires, too.
Check Your Tire Pressure Once a Month
Low tires make your engine work harder to keep you moving, which means more gas. Grab a gauge (they're a few dollars) and check your tires monthly and before any long trip.
One common mistake: don't fill to the number printed on the tire. That's the maximum pressure, not the right one. The correct number is on a sticker inside your driver's door or in your owner's manual.
Myth: You Need to Let Your Car Warm Up
Modern cars don't need several minutes of idling before you drive, even on cool mornings. Letting the engine run while parked uses gas and gets you nowhere. Start it, give it a few seconds, and drive gently for the first few minutes.
The same goes for sitting in a parking lot waiting on someone. If it's safe, turn the engine off.
Myth: Premium Gas Is Better for Your Car
If your owner's manual says regular unleaded, that's what your car is built for. AAA's research has found that vehicles designed for regular gas don't get a meaningful benefit from premium. At today's prices, that extra cost per gallon adds up quickly for nothing in return.
Make One Trip Instead of Three
Grocery store, pharmacy, bank? Plan them into one loop instead of three separate outings. Fewer miles means fewer gallons, and it saves you time too.
It also helps to check a navigation app before you head out. A slightly longer route that keeps you moving can use less gas than a shorter one where you're stuck in traffic.
Lighten the Load
Take a quick look in your trunk. Tools, sports gear, boxes you meant to drop off weeks ago: extra weight means your engine works harder. Same with roof racks and cargo carriers, which add drag at highway speeds. If you're not using them, take them off.
Use Cruise Control on the Highway
Holding a steady speed on the interstate helps you avoid the small speed-ups and slow-downs that waste fuel. Just skip it when roads are wet or slick.
Don't Skip Maintenance
A car that's overdue for service usually isn't running as efficiently as it should. Stay on top of oil changes and your manufacturer's maintenance schedule, and if your check engine light comes on, get it looked at. Small problems caught early are cheaper to fix and easier on your gas mileage.
Compare Prices Before You Fill Up
Prices can vary a lot between stations, even a mile apart. A gas price app can point you to the cheapest option along the route you're already driving. Just don't drive way out of your way to save a few cents. You'll burn the savings getting there.
Thinking About a Different Vehicle? Look Past the Sticker Price
If you're already shopping, fuel economy deserves a spot on your list. Two cars with similar prices can cost very different amounts to drive every month, especially if you have a long commute.
Think about how you actually drive. Fifty miles a day to work is a very different fuel budget than short trips around town.
The Bottom Line
You can't control gas prices, but small habits make a real difference: drive smoothly, keep your tires filled, skip the idling, stick with the fuel your car was built for, and plan your trips. None of these costs you anything, and together they can stretch every tank.
At Holmes Motors, we know the true cost of a vehicle doesn't stop at the monthly payment. Gas, maintenance, and repairs all hit the same budget. That's why every vehicle comes with a free service agreement to help keep maintenance costs in check. And if your needs change, our six-month upgrade program can help you move into something that fits your life, and your commute, better.
Ready to find a vehicle that works for your budget? Stop by Holmes Motors in D'Iberville, Douglasville, Birmingham, or Montgomery, or browse our inventory online today.