Gas prices are rising. How to make your tank go further, according to Consumer Reports

With the war in Iran spiking gas prices globally, here are some ways to help you get better fuel mileage

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Gas prices are rising as the war in Iran has sent the cost of crude oil skyrocketing.

If you’re feeling pain at the pump as prices hit $3.84 a gallon, Consumer Reports is here to help. It compiled a list of tips for making the most of a tank of gas. Continue reading to see some of its recommendations.

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You could be missing out on the lowest prices if you only look at the gas stations you know. CR suggests using websites like GasBuddy or Gas Guru to compare prices near you and plan accordingly.

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You shouldn’t be speeding anyway, but if you need another reason to stay within the limits, CR found that going slower on the highway actually saves fuel in a test with a Nissan Altima and Toyota $TM RAV4. “Reducing the speed from 65 mph to 55 mph improved fuel economy by 6 mpg in the Altima and 8 mpg in the RAV4. The penalty for cruising at 75 mph rather than 65 mph was almost 7 mpg in the Altima and 6 mpg in the RAV4,” CR said.

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You might be in a rush, but if you’re constantly accelerating and breaking, you’re burning through gas. Try to drive steadily and you'll take fewer trips to fill your tank, CR said.

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Having your tires at the right pressure will get you better gas mileage, so make sure to check your levels and fill up your tires when necessary. This is especially important in cold months.

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Using your AC guzzles gas, so if it’s not stifling out, open your windows instead. The savings won’t be huge, but they’ll add up over time.

Don’t waste money on premium gas

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Unless your car requires it, no need to buy premium gas, said CR. If your automaker “recommends” it, that means exactly what it says—you don’t have to listen. “If there’s only midgrade or premium fuel available, it will work fine in a car that’s rated for regular gasoline,” said CR.

Consider aerodynamics

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You might not realize it, but your roof rack could be really damaging your mpg. “At highway speeds, more than 50 percent of engine power goes to overcoming aerodynamic drag,” CR said. In a test with a Nissan Altima and Toyota $TM RAV4, it found that carrying two mountain bikes on a roof lost the Altima 13 mpg and the RAV4 seven mpg.

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