Memorial Day travelers face rising gas prices

LELAND, NC (WWAY) — As Memorial Day weekend travel ramps up, drivers across the country are preparing to hit the road — and for many, rising gas prices could play a major role in their travel plans.

Gas prices are continuing to climb, with the national average now sitting around $4.20 per gallon. Despite the higher costs at the pump, millions of travelers are still expected to drive during the busy holiday weekend.

As drivers look for ways to cut costs, some may choose to put only a small amount of fuel in their tanks at a time. However, AAA says that strategy could create bigger problems — and expenses — down the road.

“46% admit that when pump prices go this high that they typically don’t fill up as much and what that does long term, when you’re riding on low fuel that can affect your fuel pump, that can cost up to $1,000 in repair so you definitely want to fill up you don’t want to be driving your car on low fuel, don’t let it get below a quarter of a tank, that’s what we recommend at AAA,” said AAA spokesperson Tiffany Wright.

AAA says planning ahead before traveling can also help drivers save money. Recommendations include mapping out routes in advance, comparing gas prices along the way, and avoiding waiting until a tank is nearly empty before stopping to refuel.