Filling the tank these days is a depressing experience as you watch the counter flip past $50 and alarmingly keep going. The good news is that you can save money on gas depending on where you fill up, when you stop for gas, how you pay, and even the condition of your car. Here are 29 practical ways to save money on gas and make it easier to deal with the current price hikes.
- Download a gas tracking app like Gas Buddy to find the cheapest stations near you.
- Download an app like Fuel Rewards that offers you a reduced price per gallon. The T-mobile Tuesdays app often provides a ten-cent discount on Shell gas.
- Use your grocery store rewards. Grocery stores like Frys and Safeway often have rewards based on your shopping that can be converted to discounts on gas. Be sure to check to see if you have a reward that can save you at the pump.
- If you’re near a warehouse retail store like Costco and are a member, you’ll be able to fill the tank for less.
- Plan out your day, combining errands in the same area into one trip to save money on gas.
- Walk or ride a bike whenever you can. Not only is it good for your health, but the price of gas also won’t have as much of an impact on you.
- Consider using an electric bike or scooter – but be safe! If you can charge the battery with solar, even better.
- Using public transportation as often as possible will definitely help decrease gas costs. In Phoenix, you can often ride the light rail for free if you’re going to a sports event downtown.
- Buy discounted gas cards through resellers. Many resellers let consumers sell their unused gift cards or buy them at a significant savings. For example, Gift Card Granny and Raise let users buy and sell unused gift cards from various gas companies.
- Use cash when you can. While this option varies by location and from gas station to gas station, it’s worth checking because some places offer 20% discounts for cash.
- Skip buying premium gas. Use 87-grade gas unless your vehicle’s manufacturer explicitly calls for premium. Higher-octane gas isn’t beneficial or necessary in most cars.
- Use a credit card that offers rewards. Just be sure to pay the charges off each month, so you don’t end up paying interest on your gas purchases. Some credit card companies give you bonus cash back during specific months or on certain purchases.
- Check the tire pressure because properly inflated tires can boost gas mileage.
- Check the gas cap. A missing cap or one with a bad seal can allow gas to evaporate from the tank and contribute to air pollution. If the seal on your gas cap looks worn or the rubber seal is broken, replace it.
- Reduce idle time, making sure you’re ready to go before starting the engine. Idling wastes gas and also causes air pollution.
- Use Google Maps to “map” your route. Google Maps can boost your miles per gallon by suggesting the fastest routes or avoiding traffic and hills, ideally resulting in more constant driving speeds.
- Fill the tank early in the week because gas prices are usually the lowest on Mondays and Tuesdays. Gas prices tend to be highest on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
- Consider ride share. If you live near co-workers and have similar schedules, take turns driving to work so you all can save money on gas.
- Use cruise control once in a while. Maintaining a steady speed with cruise control has been proven to save on fuel usage.
- Follow the speed limit. Following the speed limit or driving just under it can pay off in more ways than you might think. The faster you drive, the more wind resistance you experience, reducing your fuel economy.
- Lighten your car. The less you have weighing down your car, the better gas mileage. Take a look at what you’re carrying in your vehicle and remove the things you don’t need.
- If you’re not using the bike (or ski) rack on your vehicle often, remove it. Racks add extra weight and produce more wind resistance, which reduces gas mileage.
- Cut back on using the A/C or heater because blasting either can affect fuel economy. Be safe of course! Hot summer days are dangerous so use your A/C if you need to.
- The condition of your vehicle makes a difference in gas consumption. Keep your vehicle in good running order by sticking to the recommended maintenance schedule. Contact us if you need maintenance, we’re happy to help!
- Be easy on that pedal when accelerating on the freeway. Accelerate gradually because the faster you accelerate, the more gasoline you use.
- Use the appropriate manufacturer’s recommended motor oil when you have the oil changed. Using the wrong grade oil can cost you four to seven cents more per gallon, based on information from the Department of Energy.
- Consider buying a more fuel-efficient car with a higher MPG rating. This is one of the best ways to save money on gas. Good examples of fuel-efficient cars are hybrid or electric options.
- Decide if you really need to make that trip after all. Perhaps the best thing you can do it is defer that errand for another day.
- Ask your employer for more work at home tasks. You can significantly cut down on gas if you can work from home more frequently.
While we can’t control the cost of gas, we don’t need to feel powerless, either. The information listed here can help you save money on gas at the pump when prices are out of hand and prepare you for other price changes down the road.
