As gas prices skyrocket, drivers must get creative to maximize their money. Don’t let poor planning leave you running on empty or overpaying at the pump.
These surprisingly simple ways to save on gas will help you make the most of your miles on the road.
Avoid Gas Stations in Tourist Areas
Gas stations in popular tourist or high-traffic areas know they can get away with overcharging customers. These gas options often bump prices to take advantage of travelers unfamiliar with the local area. If you’re driving across the country on an epic road trip or just commuting to work, be strategic with your gas stops to find the most competitive pricing.
Membership Clubs
Signing up for a Costco or Sam’s Club membership can help you spend much less on gas. These companies order gasoline in bulk, allowing them to maintain lower prices than traditional gas stations. You can count on getting high-quality gas at a reasonable price when you fill up with your membership card.
Credit Cards
Pay for gas with a cashback or rewards credit card to maximize your budget. If you regularly fill up your tank, consider a card with exclusive bonuses for gas purchases.
Some companies like Citi and American Express have cards that let you choose your preferred category for earning points. Opt for gas stations and rake in the bonuses and cashback incentives.
Compare Payment Methods
While many people use credit cards to purchase gas, you could save even more by paying with cash. Some gas stations offer lower prices to encourage customers to use cash. Since there’s no surcharge fee with paper money, it’s often the preferable payment method for gas stations and your wallet.
Apps
You can unlock exclusive discounts with money-saving gas apps. GasBuddy and Upside are just two of the many companies with mobile apps that help drivers spend less. These free apps let you compare gas prices and earn cashback, making your money go further.
Fill Your Tires
Did you know tire pressure directly impacts gas mileage? Maintaining the appropriate pressure is essential to help your vehicle operate at its best. Fuel Economy estimates drivers can improve their gas mileage from 0.6-3% by driving with properly filled tires.
Fuel Rewards Programs
Signing up for a fuel rewards program is a fast and easy way to start saving money. Many gas stations offer free memberships that give you lower prices when filling up your tank. Gas companies like Shell and Exxon help drivers save with moneyback and discount offers.
Research Prices in Advance
Picture this: you’re running late to work and get behind the wheel only to discover your tank is almost empty. Since you’re in a rush, you fill up at the closest gas station only to realize there’s a cheaper one several miles down the road.
Research and compare prices of nearby gas stations to find the most budget-friendly option. Don’t let your tank get so low that you must buy gas at the first station you see, as it could be significantly overpriced.
Grocery Shopping Discounts
Grocery shopping could help you score savings at the pump. You can earn fuel points on every grocery trip at chains like Kroger and Safeway. These can add up to give you impressive discounts on gas.
Ditch Excess Weight
According to the Department of Energy, driving with an extra 100 pounds can reduce your miles per gallon by up to 2%. Weighing your vehicle down or using it to tow another vehicle or trailer can significantly impact how much you pay for gas. Remove unnecessary items from your car to lighten your load and start saving.
Use Cruise Control
Cruise control is an incredibly effective tool for saving money on gas. Since you aren’t constantly braking and accelerating, the car maintains a steady speed, optimizing gas mileage. Using the cruise control feature helps your vehicle operate more fuel-efficiently and waste less gas.
Drive Less
One of the simplest ways to spend less at the pump is to skip taking your car altogether. Try to carpool, take public transportation, or bike around town when possible.
There’s no need to burn gas running a quick errand just a few blocks from home. Driving less frequently means you won’t have to fill up as often, helping you save money.
Limit Air Conditioning
Resist the temptation to crank your car’s air conditioning while driving. Running the AC puts more strain on the engine, forcing it to work harder.
Cooling your vehicle at all times will use significantly more fuel and reduce its gas mileage. Instead, roll the windows down while driving and limit AC usage.
Don’t Idle
Leaving your car on when you aren’t driving is a complete waste of fuel. Idling even for a few minutes daily can eat up your gas reserves, making you fill up more frequently. If you must wait in your car for longer than a minute or two, switch it off to save gas.
Perform Regular Vehicle Maintenance
Perform regular maintenance to maximize your vehicle’s fuel efficiency. For instance, drivers should typically change their oil every 5,000 to 7,500 miles.
Overlooking this can negatively impact the car engine’s performance. Old oil breaks down, making the engine work harder and diminishing gas mileage.
Fill Up With the Right Gas
Don’t believe the myth that premium gasoline is more fuel-efficient. While there are some pros to buying premium, you’ll likely be overpaying for gas that has no real impact on vehicle performance. Unless your car requires premium or high-octane gas, it’s usually best to stick with regular for your wallet’s sake.
Keeping your tank full is just one way to stay safe on the roads
Anything could happen when you get behind the wheel, regardless if you’re driving ten or 100 miles down the road. Keep your car stocked with safety essentials to stay prepared for any situation.
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Maximize your gas budget to embark on an epic road trip
Road trips are the perfect opportunity to see new areas of the world with the flexibility to stop when and wherever you like. If you can stomach the soaring cost of gas, the United States is the ideal destination to enjoy the open road.
18 Breathtaking U.S. Road Trips You Must Experience at Least Once in Your Lifetime
Elise Armitage is an entrepreneur and founder of What The Fab, a travel + lifestyle blog based in California. At the beginning of 2019, Elise left her corporate job at Google to chase her dreams: being an entrepreneur and helping women find fabulous in the everyday. Since then, she’s launched her SEO course Six-Figure SEO, where she teaches bloggers how to create a passive revenue stream from their website using SEO. Featured in publications like Forbes, Elle, HerMoney, and Real Simple, Elise is a firm believer that you can be of both substance and style.
