PUT THE BRAKES ON DRIVING COSTS

These seven strategies will help you slow down rapidly accelerating gas and car-repair prices.

- DAVID RODECK

SUMMER is just around the corner, and with it comes peak driving season as Americans plan vacations, road trips and family get-togethers. But between the Iran war's impact on gas prices and the post-pandemic jump in car maintenance costs, hitting the road will be a lot more expensive this year.

“Drivers are currently facing all-time-high automotive costs,” says Duane “Doc” Watson, technical trainer at Bosch Automotive Aftermarket in Cocoa, Fla.

Since early January, when gas averaged $2.81 a gallon nationally—the lowest price since 2021—the cost of filling up at the pump has surged more than 45%. A gallon of regular averaged $4.16 as of early April, and it topped $5 in a few states, including California, Hawaii and Washington. “If the situation with the Strait of Hormuz continues, prices could be even more elevated by summer,” says Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy.

Another headache for motorists: The bill for car repairs and maintenance has also soared, climbing 48.8% over the past five years, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. That makes it the second-largest jump in consumer prices of any category except car insurance—which, of course, is yet one more pain point for drivers.

Still, while planning an affordable road trip has become more challenging, there are strategies you can use to lessen the burden, from taking advantage of apps, programs and services that lower gas costs to employing driving techniques that improve fuel efficiency—a tactic that the Department of Energy estimates can save you more than $1.50 a gallon when you fill up.

Here's how to get back in the driver's seat when it comes to car costs.