It’s no secret that filling up at the pump these days isn’t a pleasant experience. The gas tank never seems to fill up before spending WAY more money than we were just a few months ago.
However, it is possible to save money on gas, based on a few smart tips we’ve put together. Learn how you can spend a little less and keep more money in your pocket with these 7 Ideas To Save Money On Gasoline.
7 Ideas To Save Money On Gasoline
1. Gasoline Loyalty Reward Programs
Many gas-station chains and grocery stores across the United States offer different fuel rewards programs to tempt you into becoming a loyal customer and are usually free to join. They all have their own set of rules on how much you can save and what you have to spent in order to earn the rewards, so make sure you read all of the details to know which one may work the best for you.
Some chains also offer additional savings by using a payment method that links to your bank account, though it definitely limits you as to where you purchase your gas.
Different grocery stores offer discounts at their specific pumps, as well. Being a member at Sam’s Club, Costco, Kroger and other warehouse “clubs” have member-only gas stations with prices lower than anywhere else. Generally, it’s not enough to factor in the yearly membership fee, but if you’re already a member, it’s a great bonus.
2. Credit Card Gasoline Rewards
Look into choosing a credit card that will pay you cash back or one that allows you to earn rewards when you purchase gas. Many of these rewards come in the form of a percentage back when you spend at certain gas stations. Also, make sure you check with your bank or credit card company if you need to “unlock” or opt-in to any of these benefits.
Go ahead and compare credit cards at Bankrate to see what may work best for you. However, make sure you pay off charges in full each month, otherwise the money you’re saving on gas will be spent on interest on your credit card’s gas purchases.
3. Use Apps to Find the Cheapest Gasoline
Using apps to look for the cheapest gas isn’t a new thing, but it’s something that is more important than ever now that gas prices have soared. There are several websites and apps that will tell you what the price of gasoline is at different gas stations in your area. Here are some popular options that will help you compare prices in real-time:
- Upside
- GasBuddy
- Waze
- Gas Guru
GasBuddy also offers its own fuel savings program called Pay with GasBuddy. Join for free and save up to 25 cents per gallon when you fill up at most national gas station chains. The paid version, Pay with GasBuddy Premium, is $9.99 a month and offers up to 40 cents off per gallon plus 24-hour roadside assistance.
Also make sure you aren’t waiting until your tank is almost empty before you’re forced to buy gas at wherever is closest. The price of gas can vary significantly from one side of town to another, especially if you are in a bigger city.
And if you are taking a trip, watch where prices are lower throughout your route. Filling up at gas stations just of an exit or in the middle of a major city tend to charge more than ones that are a little more off the beaten path.
4. Updated Car Maintenance
The condition your car is in makes a big difference in gas mileage and consumption. Keeping your car in good shape can be a game-changer on the amount of money you’re spending on gas every month. A few maintenance checks and regular tune-ups can help a ton!
Try these car maintenance tricks to improve your overall fuel economy:
- Make sure your air filter is clean or new to keep your fuel system clean
- Check Tire Pressure – Underinflated tires can lower your gas mileage and cause you to lose about 3 cents per gallon!
- Check Your Gas Gap – A bad seal or missing cap allows gas to evaporate from your tank.
- Lighten Your Car – The less you have weighing down your vehicle, the better gas mileage you’ll get.
- Remove Racks – When you’re not using your bikes or skis, remove the racks! It creates extra weight and wind resistance, which reduces gas mileage
- Use the right motor oil – It can cost you 4 to 9 cents per gallon when using the wrong grade
- Watch Your Open Windows – Keep windows closed when driving over 55 mph because it can reduce your gas mileage by as much as 10%. However, in stop-and-go traffic, save gas by opening the windows and turning off the A/C.
5. Use Better Driving Habits
By changing the WAY you drive, you may also do quite a bit to stretch the money you spend on gas. How you operate your vehicle plays a bigger role in how much you spend on gas, which makes it one of the easiest ways to save money.
Try these tips to save money on gasoline in the long-run:
- Drive slower – You can save up to 30 cents a gallon just by slowing down. For every 5 mph you slow down, you can dramatically increase your fuel efficiency. Why? Because the faster you drive, the more wind resistance you face.
- Adapt Your Acceleration – By accelerating slowly and coasting more, you will conserve fuel while driving. Try to bypass rush hour, since traffic jams and stop-and-go city driving can waste gas. Tests show that by adopting a “calm” driving style, it could save 33% to 38% on gas.
- Utilize Cruise Control – Staying at a steady speed has been shown to save on fuel usage, plus you lessen the chance of getting pulled over for speeding! Unless you’re driving on a hilly road, utilize your cruise control. Cruise control on hills tends to downshift too much, which can waste gas.
- Reduce Idle Time – Make sure you’re ready to go before starting your engine. Idling just wastes gas.
- Reduce Using the Heater or A/C – Both can have an effect on fuel economy, so keep it in mind when you’re blasting the heat or A/C during the year.
- Car Pool – Whether it’s for work, school or extracurricular activities, take turns driving so you all drive less each week, therefore saving money
- Use public transportation when possible
6. Fill Up Early In The Week
Gas prices tend to be lowest earlier in the week, according to a 2019 GasBuddy gas price analysis. Therefore, if it is possible, do your best to schedule your fill-ups for Mondays. As you’d expect, gas prices are the highest on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays when more people are traveling, so avoid those days if you can.
7. Skip the Premium Gas
For the most part, premium gas isn’t necessary or beneficial in most cars. Therefore, you’re just spending more money, which can cost about 20 to 40 cents more per gallon than regular-grade fuel. Unless your car’s manufacturer specifically requires premium, skip it.
Also, know the difference between premium gas being “required” or “recommended”. If your car requires premium, you will want to continue using it to avoid damaging your engine. However, if it only says that premium gas is recommended, try using lower grade fuel. If it still performs well and gives you comparable fuel economy, skip the premium.
Make sure your efforts are paying off by starting to track your fuel economy. Once you fill up, reset your fuel economy meter on your car so you can track what you’re getting over the distance it takes to use that tank of gas. Keep a notebook in the glove compartment to ensure that your hard work is paying off!
When you see how easy it is to boost the fuel economy of your car and you have more money in your pocket, it’s a rewarding experience. After all, according to AAA, the average household spends $1,650 a year on gasoline and with the way that gas prices have went up, you’ll be happy to keep some extra money in your pocket with these 7 Ideas To Save Money On Gasoline!
Looking for more tips to save money? Learn more in a recent blog about how to save money on groceries!
