Whether you drive a small car or a large truck, you likely want to save money at the pump. The good news is that while you can’t control gas prices, there are some ways you can pay less to fill your tank. Use these 10 tips and hopefully have more money left over after your next trip to the gas station!
- Track gas prices
- Get a loyalty card
- Pay with cash
- Take unneeded items out of your vehicle
- Check your tire pressure
- Buy a club membership
- Take the shortest route
- Avoid using the AC
- Use fuel efficiency tips
- Cut back on your driving
Track gas prices
Luckily, these days you don’t have to drive all over town to compare gas prices. There are multiple apps and websites you can use to find the lowest gas prices near you, and many of them are free of charge. They compare real-time prices at gas stations, using information that comes from users. Not only can there be differences between gas prices in one part of town versus another (or even between different towns or cities), but even what day of the week you buy can save you money. (Some say that Monday is the cheapest day to fill up.) Some top app to check gas prices are: GasBuddy, Waze, Gas Guru, AAA TripTik Travel Planner
Get a loyalty card
There are many loyalty cards you can get that might save you some money on gas. Some grocery stores also have gas pumps, and you can get points every time you shop there to save a few cents on a gallon of gas. Many gas station chains have loyalty cards, rewards programs or credit cards (or all three) that can get you discounts, but of course the catch is you have to always go to the same gas station chain, even if their prices are not the cheapest. You can also check whether your debit or credit card has the benefit of fuel savings that you can take advantage of.
Pay with cash
In the US, many gas stations have the benefit of paying less per gallon if you pay in cash. You’ll know if they have this discount if there is a “cash price” listed on the gas station sign where you see how much the various grades and diesel cost.
Take unneeded items out of your vehicle
Less is more when it comes to using less gas. If your trunk, cargo area or backseat are full of heavy items you are going to use more gas. Clear out things that you have simply been storing there (the spare tire, tire iron, etc. are not included!) and see if you save a little money next time you fill up. The same can be said of things on the outside of your vehicle, like ski or bike racks. They can change the wind resistance and could end up costing you more.
Check your tire pressure
One of the most common things recommended to save money is to make sure your tires are properly inflated. Underinflated tires worsen fuel economy, but can also be a safety risk. Not having enough air in your tires makes braking and handling worse and can also increase the chance of a blowout because of increased wear and tear, according to AAA. So check your tire pressure and fill them with air next time you head to the gas station.
Buy a club membership
Many of the big box club stores like Costco and Sam’s Club also have gas stations with discounted fuel for members. Keep in mind that you have to pay a yearly fee for the membership, and although you are getting a discount, it’s worthwhile to check one of the gas price apps above to see if you are truly getting the best deal in the area.
Take the shortest route
While taking the longer scenic route is often nice, if you’re looking to save money on gas it’s better to take the more direct route. Use a mapping app like Google Maps to see the shortest way to your destination, and also check a traffic app like Waze to avoid accidents and construction that can leave you stuck in traffic jams wasting gas.
Avoid using the AC
We all know how great it is to get some relief from summer heat by cranking up the air conditioning in your hot car. But doing so, especially on long road trips, is going to cut your fuel efficiency and lead to paying more for gas. Try to only use it if you absolutely need to, and instead roll the windows down. Other tips for keeping your car cooler before you get in it are parking in the shade and using a windshield screen to help shield the interior from the sun.
Use fuel efficiency tips
There are some driving habits you can change that may increase your vehicle’s fuel efficiency.
- Drive the speed limit. Of course it’s tempting to speed, but your fuel efficiency drops once you drive over 50 miles per hour.
- Don’t leave your car idling for extended periods of time. This includes “warming up the engine” in the winter, which is not necessary.
- Accelerate and brake smoothly instead of slamming your foot on the gas to start after stopping.
- When driving on the interstate, use cruise control. This will help you control your speed and increase fuel efficiency. (This only applies if the roads are not slippery).
Cut back on your driving
Driving less can be a tall order in most parts of the US. But there are some things you can do to economize and decrease your time in the car, and save money on gas.
- Carpool or use ride sharing services when you can. If you live near coworkers, arrange a carpooling schedule so everyone cuts back on fuel costs.
- Use public transportation if it’s available. If you live in a city, taking the bus, tram or train can save you time and money. Plus, you can catch up on the news or sit back and relax while someone else does the driving.
- Walk or use a bike or scooter to get around instead of driving. This may not be feasible if you live in a larger city without great pedestrian or bike infrastructure, but walking or biking to work or another destination occasionally will save you money and allow you to get some exercise.
