Gas prices are still hovering around the $3.50 mark for regular unleaded, but we haven't even hit Memorial Day or the 4th of July yet.
Mythbuster 1 Will we see five dollar gas prices this summer? The answer is no, barring any kind of doomsday nuclear crisis or natural disaster. The U.S. Department of Energy says drivers should pay an average of $3.79 per gallon at the pump from April through September because the cost of oil is down.
Mythbuster 2 Do you save more if you pay cash for you gas? Actually, you do. This is true.
This is how gas stations are winning over customers from the competition and also, when you pay cash, it saves gas station owners money because they don't have to pay out as much in credit card fees.
Mythbuster 3 Refinery closures on the East Coast will have little impact on what we pay for gas and diesel fuel this spring? That is false and July could be a telling month for what's to come.
"Right now, a big one we are looking at is the Sunoco Refinery in South Philadelphia which was slated to close in July. However, that being said, we have heard that Sunoco has been sold and regarding that, there's a very good chance that will be beneficial to us," says Windy VanCuren with AAA Mid-Atlantic
Mythbuster 4 The United States imports oil than it exports. This is false. On an annual basis, the country exported more crude prducts during 2011 than it imported. This is the first time this has happened in six decades.
Mythbuster 5 Most consumers purchase name-brand gasoline? This is false. More motorists are going for generic gas. Gas-brand loyalty is a thing of the past. According to the National Association of Convenience Stores, drivers are shopping for gas with their steering wheel due to the cost of fuel.
Mythbuster 6 Old habits die hard, but I can save gas money if I change the way I drive? This is true. One of the easiest and most effective ways to conserve fuel is to change driving styles. Instead of making quick starts and sudden stops, go easy on the gas and brake pedals. If there is a red light ahead, ease off the gas and coast up to it rather than waiting until the last second to brake. Once the light turns green, gently accelerate rather than making a quick start. The U.S. Department of Energy reports aggressive driving can lower a car's fuel efficiency by up to 33 percent.
*All Data and Mythbuster facts compiled by AAA Mid-Atlantic region
