Drivers think of ways to beat gas shortage situation, but they can backfire

CHARLOTTE — Some people see bags on gas pumps and are tempted to try those pumps anyway. But that can be very risky because -- even if the pump works -- you’re likely to end up pumping a bunch of sediment into your tank and doing some real damage.

Likewise, if your vehicle only takes premium gas and you find some regular, you may be tempted to use it.

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Cars.com says, “the computers that manage modern engines are able to adjust … to accommodate lower-octane gasoline -- to a point.” In other words: You can use regular “occasionally … but it’s a bad idea to make a habit of it.” That said, if something goes wrong -- and the manufacturer finds out -- it could void your warranty.

Channel 9 crews have seen plenty of people filling gas cans, stocking up for later. According to J.D. Power, “regular gasoline has a shelf life of three to six months.” We should be well out of this crisis by then, but still think twice before hoarding.

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“You got people loading up the big square tanks, big tanks full of all types of everything. It’s big gas in there. I’m like, ‘Whoa, we need to save some for everybody else,’” driver Marcus Woods told Action 9′s Jason Stoogenke.

At last check, the N.C. Attorney General’s office told Stoogenke it has received more than 390 price gouging complaints. He went through the list and found a lot in the $3 range in Mecklenburg and Cabarrus Counties, as high as $4.99 in Gaston County, $9.99 in the eastern part of the state and $11.66 in the western part.

The A.G.’s office says, “In some cases, businesses … have a reasonable need to increase prices in order to resupply … Businesses cannot, however, unreasonably raise the price of goods or services [in a state of emergency].” But that’s typically a gray area, one the courts end up deciding on a case by case basis.

Advice for conserving gas:

Try not to use the A/C.
Avoid running errands when there’s a lot of traffic.
Take heavy things out of your car (make it lighter).
Watch your speed. Too slow isn’t good, but neither is too fast. The U.S. Dept. of Energy says anything over 50 mph starts to burn more fuel: as much as 20 cents more for every 5 mph.

(WATCH: ‘Panic-buying’ leaving gas stations dry amid Colonial Pipeline shutdown)