Gas prices are going up and don’t show any signs of slowing. There’s only so much we can do to use less gas. Unless you live in an area with great public transportation, you probably are using your car and need fuel to put in your tank. But there are some things you can do to save money on gas. Every little bit helps!
10 Ways to Save on Gas
Use Free Apps to Find Lowest Prices
Easily scan which stations are offering the best prices with free apps like GasBuddy or Get Upside. This saves immediately finding a lower price right after you fill up. Here are 8 apps to save money on gas.
Use Free Rewards Programs
Every major gas station has a rewards program! Most offer 5¢ off per gallon for members and most of the programs are free to join. Take a moment and sign up for BP, Shell Exxon and other programs so that no matter where you stop you can always add the extra savings in. See all the top rewards programs running and start joining!!
Don’t Forget Your Club Memberships
If you already have a membership to Sam’s, Costco or BJ’s don’t forget to grab gas at the warehouse clubs. Only members are able to take advantage of their prices, but they tend to have some of the best prices in town! For example the current price at Sam’s is $3.19 a gallon compared to $3.49 at nearby stores.
Extra tip: If you have a Walmart+ membership you get access to all Sam’s Club gas stations without needing to be a Sam’s member!
Pay with Gift Cards
If you have stations you love that charge a bit more when you use a credit card, then keep a few gift cards for that station in the car. Not only do we find great deals on gift cards at local grocery stores and online, but now you’ll get the cash price per gallon when you fill up.
Pay with Rewards Credit Cards
If you are grabbing gas at stations that don’t charge a difference between cash and credit, then always pay with a rewards credit card! You’ll earn points for free vacations or even cash back. For example the Sam’s Club credit card offers an additional 5% back on gas purchases!
Fill Up Earlier in the Week & Avoid Holiday Weekends
Many studies have shown that gas prices trend higher towards the weekend. So fill up your tank Monday thru Wednesday to save a little bit more. Also try to never get gas right before or during three day weekends. You’ll see prices jump around major holidays when they know everyone is traveling.
Use Your Most Fuel-Efficient Vehicle
If you have two cars and have times when you only need one, use the one that gets the best gas mileage. Maybe even try using only one car for a while. I know for some of you it sounds ridiculous, but it actually forces you to simplify your schedule, limit the amount of places you drive to per day, and possibly gives you some good bonding time with a real person instead of the radio!
Increase Your Car’s Gas Mileage
Driving a bit safer like following speed limits, braking slower and accelerating slower all have significant impacts on your gas mileage. Also don’t forget to check your tire air pressure and change your oil regularly. Keeping your car in top working condition will help you go farther with every gallon you buy!
Carry Less Weight & Reduce Drag
Sometimes it is easy to forget that you’ve actually got 10 lbs of stuff in the trunk, but an extra trip to and from the car can save you money in the long run. A heavier car equates to more gas used. Having a bicycle or luggage rack on your roof increases the wind resistance of your car. Removing these will save quite a bit of gasoline. One thing to note is that your car was already designed to be aerodynamic so any changes you make to the outside will increase drag.
Plan Your Trips Out
If you are heading out make a list of all the stops before you leave and make sure you are going about town in the shortest routes and with the least traffic. Many times this will help me realize some stops aren’t needed or think about stores that are closer to others in another part of town. For kids activities… think of carpooling, trading days with other parents, etc.
Do you have any other tips to save on gas? Let us know in the comments!