Drivers in Arizona are paying, on average nearly $4 per gallon ($3.98). That’s just 12 cents less than the record of $4.09 reported by AAA on July 3, 2008. And it’s 14 cents higher than the national average of $3.84.

In Phoenix, drives are paying an average of $4, compared to the record of $4.14 on Jun 20, 2008.

During his State of the Union address, President Joe Biden announced the U.S. and its allies agreed to release 60 million barrels of oil from their reserves to dampen the effect of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on gas prices.

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Your Neighborhood Auto Repair Professionals (NARPRO) are sharing ways for Valley drivers to maximize mileage:

1. Slow down: According to the U.S. Department of Energy, each 5 miles per hour you drive over 50 mph is like paying an extra 20 cents per gallon.

2. Avoid sudden starts and stops: If you see a red light, ease up and coast rather than wait to brake. When the light turns green, gently accelerate. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates aggressive driving (speeding, rapid acceleration and braking) can lower your gas mileage by roughly 15 to 30 percent at highway speeds and 10 to 40 percent in stop-and-go traffic.

3. Lighten the load: Hauling cargo on your roof increases wind resistance and lowers fuel economy. You may also want to get the junk out of your trunk.

4. Avoid excessive idling: Turn off your engine when you’re parked. Idling can use a quarter to a half-gallon of fuel per hour, depending on your engine size and air conditioner use.

5. Use cruise control: this helps you maintain a steady speed on highways.

6. Check your tires: properly inflated tires can improve fuel economy up to 3 percent. Follow the levels recommended by the automaker.

7. Plan your travel and consolidate trips to avoid logging extra miles. Doing this not only helps the environment and reduces wear and tear on your vehicle, it also eliminates the need to go out of your way to find lower gas prices.

8. Keep up to date on maintenance. A dirty air filter restricts the flow of air in the engine, which lowers performance.

9. Consider enrolling in fuel reward programs offered by many retailers and grocery stores.

The Neighborhood Auto Repair Professionals (NARPRO) helps car owners find skilled and honest car repair shops. NARPRO only recommends independent, family-owned, full-service auto repair shops that have passed 26 rigorous tests. Visit www.NARPRO.com to find recommended shops near work or home. NARPRO is the easiest way to find an honest mechanic in the Valley.