LAS VEGAS (KSNV) — Drivers in North Las Vegas are feeling the pinch at the pump as gas prices hover around $5 a gallon for regular unleaded, according to AAA Gas Prices.
“They are definitely higher than they should be,” driver Bryce Barker said.
Fellow driver Javier Ruiz agreed, saying, “Well, I mean, it definitely hurts.”
With prices staying high, local auto parts expert Ruben Pulido, owner of Auto Parts Connection, shared several ways drivers can try to stretch a tank of gas further, starting with basic maintenance under the hood.
“The more flow you get, the better fuel ratio you get,” Pulido said.
Pulido said drivers should make sure key ignition components are in good shape to help fuel burn efficiently. “Your spark plugs, spark plug wires. Your ignition coils. The better the fuel burns, the better fuel economy you will be getting,” he said.
He also recommended additional maintenance, including checking the exhaust, using moderate amounts of fuel cleaners and making sure a vehicle is not leaking oil.
Another tip: cut back on air conditioning when possible, especially during cooler parts of the day.
“If you are able to ride without your A/C in the early mornings, roll down the window. Roll down the window. I know [Las] Vegas heat does not really allow it. But if it is cool in the morning or at night, it saves,” Pulido said.
Drivers can also look for savings through fuel rewards programs. Some, including Circle K and Chevron, require only a phone number to sign up. Grocery stores such as Albertsons and Smith’s offer gas deals tied to in-store purchases. Warehouse clubs can also offer lower prices, but they come with membership costs — $65 for a Costco membership and $50 for Sam’s Club — and sometimes long waits.
Lines at a Sam’s Club on Craig Road were backed up at 1 p.m. Friday afternoon. Ruiz said he tried to get gas at a Costco not far away but couldn’t fit the wait into his schedule.
“I just came from there and the lines are huge, right? Because everybody, I guess, is trying to do that. Trying to save some bucks there. So I was like, I cannot wait 30 minutes to get from my place to start pumping,” Ruiz said.
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