If you're planning on taking a road trip in 2013, you may want to make sure your car is in peak operating condition, as you probably won't be getting any extra help at the pump. Gas prices are expected to rise throughout 2013 and reach higher rates than previously anticipated, but they still may be lower than the average cost over the past few years, Bloomberg reports.
The most recent data from the U.S. Department of Energy predicts that regular-grade gas will average about $3.55 per gallon in 2013, which is up $0.11 from the previous estimate but still down from the $3.63 average in 2012. Decreases should continue into 2014, when gas may fall to $3.39 per gallon.
AutoBlog reports that, while the number of drivers on the roads isn't getting smaller, overall consumption in the U.S. is falling. Despite that effort, families are still paying nearly $3,000 for gas each year.
With the price of gas remaining high, it becomes more important than ever to have a fuel-efficient vehicle. Even if the car is an older model with less than stellar mileage, taking it for a tune up to make sure everything is in working order can help improve performance.