Do these gas-saving hacks actually work? What to know in Idaho as prices rise
Are Idaho gas prices guzzling money from your wallet?
On average, Idaho drivers are paying more than $4.50 per gallon of regular gasoline, according to AAA.
As costs climb, drivers may be wondering which fuel-saving tips actually work — and which hacks are best to ignore.
Here’s what to know:
How expensive is gas in Idaho right now?
As of Monday, May 11, Idaho drivers were paying about $4.55 per gallon of regular gasoline on average, according to AAA.
That’s three cents per gallon more than the national per-gallon average, AAA said, placing the Gem State among the top 15 most expensive states for gas prices.
Gas prices for Idahoans were up 10 cents per gallon from a week ago, and 24 cents per gallon from a month ago.
Around this time in 2025, gas in Idaho cost $3.28 per gallon on average.
Idaho set its record for most expensive gas in July 2022, $5.25 per gallon in Idaho, according to AAA.
Why are gas prices so high?
Prices are continuing to soar nationwide as the U.S.-Iran conflict impacts the flow of crude oil around the globe.
As of Monday, the Strait of Hormuz remained closed to trade.
The U.S. Energy Information Administration called the strait “the world’s most important oil transit chokepoint,” noting that preventing oil to move through such a channel “can create substantial supply delays and raise shipping costs, increasing world energy prices.”
Brent crude oil futures have risen higher than $100 a barrel multiple times since the strait was shut down.
“When 20% of the world’s oil supply goes offline, it’s going to drive up the value of everything that’s left,” AAA Idaho public affairs director Matthew Conde told the Idaho Statesman in April.
Meanwhile, gas stations around the United States have made their annual switch to more expensive summer-blend fuel, further bumping up the costs at the pump.
Do those fuel-saving hacks actually work? Myths debunked
With gas prices soaring, drivers are trying every trick in the book to save on fuel costs.
While some fuel-saving tips are solid ways to save energy and money, other advice isn’t quite as trustworthy.
Let’s debunk some popular myths about money-saving methods:
Is buying premium fuel better?
Premium fuel doesn’t always mean premium efficiency, according to Christian Brothers Automotive.
“The truth about premium fuel is that it only improves efficiency in engines specifically designed for it,” the car repair company said on its website. “For most vehicles, using a higher octane fuel than recommended provides no benefit. It’s simply a waste of money.”
How often should I change my car’s oil?
Keeping up with oil changes is necessary and “great maintenance advice,” O’Reilly’s Auto Parts said on its website.
However, changing your car’s oil too often could cost you extra.
“It is often suggested that you should change your car’s oil every 3,000 miles,” O’Reilly’s Auto Parts said. “While this might have been true in years past, most newer models made within the last decade don’t require oil changes until you reach about 5,000 miles on your odometer.”
The auto parts company added that good maintenance can allow some vehicles to go up to 7,000 miles without a necessary oil change.
Quick and Dirty Tips reminds drivers that when oil gets too old, “it gets thicker and harder to push through the engine, causing more energy to be used.”
Do after-market fuel-saving devices work?
After-market fuel saving devices promise better fuel efficiency at the drop of a dime.
These devices earn attention due “aggressive marketing tactics,” not because they actually work, Christian Brothers Automotive said.
“The hard truth is that most after-market fuel-saving devices have minimal to no effect on fuel efficiency,” the auto repair company said. “If these devices were truly effective, car manufacturers would already be incorporating them into their designs.”
Are cars with manual transmissions more fuel efficient?
Though it used to be true that cars with manual transmissions were more fuel-efficient than those with automatic transmissions, times have changed.
“Modern automatic transmissions have made significant efficiency improvements,” Christian Brothers Automotive said. “In many cases, they can match or even surpass the fuel economy of manual transmissions.”
Does shifting to neutral help?
Slowing down by shifting to neutral also isn’t as effective as it used to be.
“This myth originated from advice applicable to older, less efficient engine designs,” Christian Brothers Automotive said. “In those cars, the engine would continue to consume fuel at idle rates, even when coasting in gear.”
Does running the AC use more gas?
Running your air conditioner can burn more fuel when you’re moving at slower speeds in residential neighborhoods and stop-and-go city traffic.
When you hit the highway, however, that’s not necessarily the case.
“At highway speeds, open windows can create drag that may use more fuel than running the AC,” Christian Brothers Automotive said. “This misconception likely originated from the fact that running the AC increases fuel consumption, particularly at lower speeds. People then overgeneralized this to all driving conditions.”
Does filling up your tank save on fuel?
Have you ever been told to fill your tank to the brim anytime you’re at a gas station?
“Contrary to popular belief, keeping your tank full doesn’t save fuel,” Christian Brothers Automotive said.
“In fact, the extra weight of a full tank can slightly decrease your vehicle’s fuel efficiency,” the car repair company said, adding weight and causing more drag when you drive.
“Every pound matters when it comes to fuel consumption,” the company said.
Is idling better than restarting my engine?
Restarting your engine is actually not more expensive than idling, even in the colder months, according to Quick and Dirty Tips.
“You use more fuel idling after 30 seconds than you use restarting your car,” the consumer website.
“Most modern engines actually heat up faster while you’re driving your vehicle, not while it is sitting in the driveway with the engine running,” O’Reilly’s Auto Parts said. “If anything, letting your car idle for long periods of time just wastes fuel, and can be costly if done often.”
This story was originally published May 11, 2026 at 3:44 PM.
