By 2012 Americans could pay up to $5 per gallon gas, according to Shell Oil's former president Jon Hofmeister.
2011-09-13Of course rising gas prices aren't going to stop car-obsessed Americans from driving, so it's best to make the most of your gas tank today.
Since there's basically an app for everything, smartphone users can download the best apps to save on gas. And if you're not a smartphone owner don't worry--some of these apps can be found on the Web too.
Google Maps Navigation (Beta)
Price: Free
Available on: Android
No need to download this app if you're a Google Android user--the update will be automatically appear on your phone.
Google Maps Navigation identifies traffic pileups and then offers alternative routes.
Users can also search for any type of business along the way.
Car Care
Price: Free
Available on: iPhone
Recommended by the Times, Car Care calculates fuel economy for as many automobiles as you want and even graphs their data.
Detailed statistics give users a glimpse of how the different types of fuel perform in their vehicles, while notifying them of important maintenance actions that need to be taken.
Carticipate
Price: Free
Available on: iPhone and Facebook
Carticipate helps users carpool by matching them with people in their network who are traveling the same way. To do so, users include information on where they're going and carticipants are matched.
AAA TripTik Mobile
Price: Free
Available on: iPhone
AAA TripTik Mobile provides voice guidance with the latest gas prices, maps, directions, and other attractions, such as nearby events, restaurants, and hotels.
AAA members can view office locations, AAA auto repair locations, and more.
Bankrate Calculator
Price: Free
Available on: The Web
Bankrate offers a calculator on its website to help users determine whether traveling to a cheaper gas station is worth it.
Simply plug in your car's gas tank capacity, miles per gallon, how many miles it would take to drive to the gas station and the cost of gas.
Gas Manager
Price: Free
Available on: iPhone
Gas Manager does exactly what is sounds like: manage all your gas data by tracking consumption, price, monthly mileage, cost per mile, and more.
Gas Hog
Price: $0.99
Available on: iPhone
Gas Hog lets users track their current tank's fuel economy then compare it to tanks in the past and how much they cost. The app also provides tips for improving fuel spending, but the best part has to be that users don't need internet connectivity for it to work.
FuelFinder
Price: $2.99
Available on: iPhone
FuelFinder promises to pay for itself after one tank of gas--and your iPhone after one year of use.
The app uses gas prices and geo locations from GasBuddy.com, but also provides users with more information about the gas station, such as whether there's a car wash, ATM, food mart, diesel availability, and more.
FuelFinder will also connect you to road side assistance.
Gas Cubby
Price: $4.99
Available on: iPhone
Gas Cubby tracks your gas mileage and sends reminders on your vehicle's maintenance needs.
If you don't want to spend $4.99 on an app, simply download the free version, which offers all the same services, but will show you advertisements.