Southwest Florida residents change habits as gas prices stay high

FORT MYERS, Fla. (WINK)—Drivers are feeling the pinch at the pump as gas prices remain high, but experts say there are ways to save.

Throughout the day, frustration played out in real time as drivers pulled up to stations, swiped their cards and watched the numbers climb higher before their tanks were even full. It's become a routine people say they're starting to dread.

"I mean 10 cents is 10 cents when you need to fill 12 gallons," said Jay Hernandez, who was visiting the area.

Every beep and every gallon is another reminder of the high gas prices. That sticker shock is changing habits fast—people are driving less, canceling plans and even budgeting their week around how much gas they can afford.

"I kind of try to save my gas and go to places close to me but that's about all you can do to survive right now until something gets figured out," Hernandez said.

Thomas Crogan, a resident, said he's willing to go the extra mile to save money.

"I come to BJ's to get gas because it's usually $3.94 right now so I'll drive the extra 10 to 15 minutes just to pay 40 cents less per gallon," Crogan said.

While frustration is growing at the pump, Josh Pisano at Fred Anderson Toyota of Cape Coral says there are ways to take back a little control.

"Maintain your car with the way that the manufacturers suggest in the motor's manual that has been in every car since like 1991," Pisano said. "That manufacturer suggested maintenance schedule is actually there, and it's designed to keep your car operating in its optimal efficiency."

There are other ways to save on gas. The U.S. Department of Energy says properly inflated tires can improve mileage by about 3%. Triple A says reducing highway speeds can help, and avoiding fast acceleration and braking can lower mileage.

It may not solve everything, but for drivers trying to stretch every dollar, every mile counts.

"It would be nicer to see cheaper gas but I agree with what president's doing," Crogan said. "I'll just suffer with it and do what we gotta do."

Drivers say it's all about cutting back where they can and making every gallon last just a little bit longer.