Whether you drive to work every day, go on frequent road trips, or use your vehicle to run errands occasionally, fueling your ride consumes a significant portion of your budget. In this guide, we explore 20 effective strategies on how to save money on gas. From adopting new technology to changing driving habits, the primary objective is to realize the highest fuel efficiency and save those dollars.
20 Ways to Save Money on Gas
Use a Gas Rewards Credit Card
A gas rewards credit card could be the easiest way to save money on gasoline. Paying you back in points or money, even a few cents for each dollar spent on gas, a gas rewards credit card helps. Some manage extra savings when they use a particular station’s card with other discounts. Choose a card based on your favorite gas station and spending habits. Pay off the monthly balance to avoid interest charges that could negate your savings.
Download a Gas App
Gas apps like GasBuddy, Waze, etc., let you know where the prices are lowest. They help you find the best deal between stations by enabling price comparisons. Some apps even offer rewards and discounts, which come in the form of reduced prices for frequent users. It is a simple way to save on fuel costs that one would not wish to miss out on.
Use Fuel Rewards Programs
Many fuel reward programs become settings on gas stations, giving price cuts or points for each gallon. Such programs, such as Shell Fuel Rewards and BPme Rewards, can substantially reduce gasoline spending in the long run. Most programs have a free registration process. Link your account to your credit card or loyalty card to use it.
Earn Discounts When You Grocery Shop
Many grocery stores will also sweeten the pot with fuel discounts. For example, Kroger and Safeway reward points to customers for every dollar they spend at the grocery store so they can reduce their cost of gas when they fill up at associated gas stations. So, you’re saving both on food and gas.
Join a Membership Club
Gasoline is also cheaper in membership clubs, such as Costco and Sam’s Club. Although a fee may be charged for membership, the savings on gas may more than make up for this, especially if you expect to drive a significant number of miles. Plus, membership often includes other discounts and benefits.
Drive Less
The easiest way to save fuel money is by driving less. Carpooling, public transit, and even a combination of walking and biking all represent good ways to reduce the number of miles driven. Also, trying to plan trips so that you make the least number of them — combining errands and not going out when it isn’t necessary — will help you reduce the amount you drive.
Stop Idling
Idling also just burns fuel and pollutes for no reason. If you think you are going to be stopped for a minute or more, engine off is the best policy — today’s modulated systems use very little fuel when restarting.
Drive Safely
Aggressive driving—speeding, rapid acceleration, and hard braking—wastes gasoline. Consistent driving with an eye far ahead and planning stops allows more efficient use of gasoline. It also keeps you safer and improves fuel economy.
Choose the Right Vehicle for the Job
Driving a vehicle that meets one’s needs could significantly affect the fuel consumed. For example, going to work not in a giant SUV but in a small, not-so-gas-guzzling car saves tons of gasoline. If you take many long trips, look for more fuel-efficient cars on the highway.
Perform Regular Maintenance
Keep your vehicle in good working order to maintain peak fuel efficiency. Remember to service the car at regular intervals by changing the oil and air filter and checking the spark plugs to keep the engine running smoothly. A properly serviced vehicle uses fuel very efficiently, which will mean you avoid costly repairs down the road.
Map Fuel-Efficient Routes
Using navigation tools further saves time and gas. Apps like Google Maps and Waze provide users with the best and shortest possible routes while considering traffic conditions, road types, and distances. This increases the possibility of fuel efficiency in the best way.
Use Air Conditioning Wisely
Running your AC can mainly spike your fuel consumption at lower speeds. Use your air conditioning sparingly to save gas, and opt to use the vehicle’s ventilation system. Running the AC on highways is better than opening the windows.
Choose the Right Gas
Engine knock can be prevented if the right level of octane, recommended by your vehicle’s manufacturer, is used. It does nothing more than that. No benefit accrues from using gasoline with a higher octane than needed for your car. All it does is waste your gas money. Review your owner’s manual to determine the correct gas for your car.
Use the Recommended Motor Oil
The engine oil recommended by the manufacturer helps improve engine efficiency. Additives are blended with good energy-conserving oils that can reduce friction and, in turn, improve fuel economy. To continue enjoying the best performance, check your oil regularly and replace it as stipulated by the manufacturer.
Maintain a Steady Speed
Constantly altering your speed will generally use more fuel than maintaining a steady speed. Use your cruise control on highways to keep your speed absolutely steady and assist you in making the most of your fuel economy. It lessens the need for acceleration and deceleration, which, over time, can save you tremendous amounts of fuel over sustained usage.
Keep Your Windows Up
Driving around with your windows down actually wears down the aerodynamic drag that reduces fuel efficiency at high speeds. Keep your windows up. They tend to increase gas mileage by keeping the drag down. If you need ventilation, use the car’s internal ventilation system.
Limit What You Tow or Carry
Please note that towing a heavy load can negatively affect your vehicle’s fuel economy. Clear your car of extra elements and do without piling things on the roof, which increases the car’s drag. For heavier loads, consider using a fuel-efficient trailer.
Keep Hybrid Vehicles Fully Charged
If you’re driving a hybrid, keeping the battery fully charged ensures you can use as much of the electric motor as possible and maximize the power economy. If you’re driving a plug-in hybrid, that is very helpful in making the least power inputs the gasoline engine needs.
Use Economy Mode
Most new vehicles have an economy mode setting wherein the engine and transmission parameters are tuned to allow maximum fuel consumption. Some fuel will be saved, especially in city driving. Check your owner’s manual for directions on properly operating this feature.
Keep the Optimal Amount of Air in Tyres
Properly inflated tyres help lower rolling resistance and increase fuel efficiency. So check your tire pressure regularly and maintain it according to the one recommended in the manufacturer’s guide. Under-inflated tires may lower fuel mileage and wear out faster.
Conclusion
Saving gas money involves good driving habits, including driving at a steady pace, keeping up speed, using cruise control, regular maintenance on the vehicle, and using resources such as reward programs and technology. These 20 tips should help you cut fuel costs and make driving more pocket-friendly and green.
When researching how to save money on gas, consider apps that offer budget tracking and other kinds of financial guidance. Beem is a one-stop shop that teaches you how to save, spend, and plan your finances wisely.
FAQs
How to save money at the pump?
Again, this will include helping to save money at the pump with gas rewards credit cards and fuel rewards programs and finding reasonable gas prices available through apps. Savings will also be realized through good driving efficiency and vehicle maintenance to help with fuel economy.
What is the cheapest day to fill up gas?
Gas prices are generally lower earlier in the week on Mondays and Tuesdays. One should avoid refueling over the weekends since prices tend to rally and peak with expected high demand.
Does pumping gas in the morning save money?
Filling up gas in the morning can save a minimal amount due to the cooler temperatures causing gasoline to become denser. The savings are negligible compared to other strategies, like using rewards programs and driving efficiently.