15 Gas-Saving Secrets Helping You Squeeze More Miles From Your Dollar
While gas prices go up and down, inflation tends to be a one-way street. That’s one of the reasons why keeping up with new ways to stretch your dollars at the gas pump is important, especially for those of us who love being on the road.
Another perk? Getting the most out of your fuel means reducing your carbon footprint, a win-win for your wallet and our planet.
Here, we delve into some savvy yet often overlooked methods to reduce gas expenses using a combination of statistics and personal experience.
1: Choose Your Refill Days Carefully
Many Americans aren’t aware that the day of the week that you choose to fill your tank can affect how much money you’re spending. According to a gas price comparison app GasBuddy, Monday is the best day of the week to buy gas if you’re looking for low prices. Friday is the second-best day.
Remember, this only applies to averages; Many factors can impact gas prices on any given day. But statistically, Mondays are your safest bet.
2: Make the Most Out of Apps
Speaking of price comparisons, many app options are available right on your smartphone. Apps such as GasBuddy, Fuel Forward, Gas Guru, Waze, and AAA Mobile make finding affordable gas prices easier.
Because prices can vary from gas station to gas station just blocks or even across the street from each other, having these apps handy can help you save money and time. Spare yourself the weekly drive around the neighborhood for the cheapest station.
3: Regular or Premium?
The labels of “regular gas” and “premium gas” are a little misleading. The key difference lies in the octane rating, a way to measure the fuel’s tendency to ignite from the compression force of the piston.
Unless you’re driving a high-performance car that specifically calls for premium gas, there’s little benefit to using it in a standard consumer car. It doesn’t burn cleaner, nor is it more energy efficient. It just costs more.
4: Avoid Topping Off Your Tank
Not only does trying to fill your gas tank to the very top cost you extra money, but it can also be harmful to your vehicle. It can damage the onboard refueling vapor recovery system (ORVR), a charcoal canister that collects and absorbs fuel vapor during the refueling process.
The ORVR is typically designed to last the full lifetime of the car. However, topping off too often can saturate the system, requiring expensive repairs. So next time you’re at the pump, don’t worry about catching that perfect even dollar amount!
5: Tighten Your Gas Cap
Another tip for saving money and improving safety: Make sure your gas cap is adequately tightened after refueling. Leaving it too loose or off too long can allow vapor to escape into the air.
Most modern vehicles come with an alert light or message when your gas cap isn’t tight enough, but you should always check it yourself at every refuel.
6: Opt for Little Towns
Gas stations make a point to target people who are traveling long distances and have fewer options. It’s common to see higher gas prices in major cities, just off highway exits, and near airports.
If you need to refuel while on a road trip, consider taking a little detour through the town rather than filling up at the first gas station off the exit. This way, you can save money and get the most sightseeing out of your trip!
7: Join a Gas Loyalty Program
Most gas brands and some grocery stores offer loyalty programs with discounts on gas and cash back on store purchases and car washes. The premise is simple: The more you spend, the more points you earn and the more you save in the long run.
If you frequently use a particular gas station brand, joining its loyalty program is worth considering. Just keep in mind that your points only apply to that specific company.
8: Get a Gas Rewards Credit Card
Alternatively, you can get a gas rewards credit card that works anywhere through your bank of choice. Gas rewards cards earn rewards points or cash back for each dollar spent on gas, typically at a rate of 3% to 5%. There’s also that lovely welcome bonus!
But as with any credit card, always shop around and read the fine print. Consider rules and caps, the card’s annual percentage rate (APR), and any additional fees.
9: Don’t Wait Until You’re Almost Out
Waiting until the last possible moment to get gas is not only a risky gamble for getting stranded somewhere, but it also limits your options. You don’t want to be in a situation where you’re so desperate for gas that you must accept the nearest station, which could be nonsensically expensive.
Once that low fuel light comes on, it’s time to listen. Don’t be responsible for limiting your own options.
10: Carpooling is Cool
In some cases, leaving your vehicle behind altogether can be the best option. Why take two cars if you’re all heading the same way anyway?
Get to know your neighbors and your coworkers. Take turns driving and split the gas bill. Besides, isn’t traveling more fun when you have company?
11: Consider Different Payment Methods
Certain gas stations offer a lower price if you pay with cash instead of using a credit card. You can sometimes save between 10 to 15 cents on the gallon, occasionally even more.
That said, keep in mind your cash back credit card could offer similar rewards. Take the time to do a little math and calculate whether it’s cheaper to pay with cash or make use of your credit card’s cash back program.
12: Check Your Tire Pressure
There’s never a bad time to check the air pressure on your tires. Having even one slightly deflated tire can negatively affect how smoothly your vehicle runs. This means that your car requires more power (aka gas) to get going.
Checking your tire pressure is especially important when traveling long distances, where a flat tire would be an extra-big inconvenience. Always keep a spare tire handy!
13: Slow Down
Flat tires are a bad way to slow down; avoiding being in a hurry to get where you’re going is a good way. That’s because the faster you drive, the more gas your vehicle guzzles. By adopting more eco-friendly driving habits, you not only save money but also reduce your carbon footprint.
Long stretches of highway can be tempting to speed through, but for the biggest gas-saving benefits, stay below 75 mph. Even better, keep your lead foot driving below 65 mph.
14: Lighten Your Load
Car clutter isn’t just an aesthetic concern; it also affects fuel efficiency. Remove unnecessary items from your vehicle, especially heavy ones. Every pound of excess means higher energy expenditure, so streamline your car’s cargo to maximize fuel savings.
As convenient as it might seem, your car’s trunk isn’t a good storage space. It’s just weighing you down.
15: Plan Your Trips Ahead of Time
Strategically planning your routes can help minimize fuel consumption. Combine multiple errands into a single trip to reduce needless driving. Check traffic conditions beforehand and consider alternative routes that are shorter or less congested.
Avoid rush hour traffic whenever possible, as frequent stops and slow-moving traffic can burn unnecessary fuel. Sometimes it’s worth avoiding the highway altogether.
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