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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 Upside. This helps you find the lowest price before you fill up, rather than realizing you overpaid afterward. (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. Plus, many gas stations now offer additional savings when you link a debit or credit card to their app (like Shell’s Fuel Rewards or BPme Rewards).
(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, right now at Sam’s you can save 30¢ a gallon compared to at nearby stores.
Extra tips:
If you have a Walmart+ membership you get access to all Sam’s Club gas stations without needing to be a Sam’s member!
If you are an Amazon Prime member, you can save 10-50¢ off per gallon at participating gas stations. Click here to see more!
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 (up to $6,000 a year)!
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. If you have two cars, try using only the most fuel-efficient one when possible. Consolidating trips can simplify your schedule and reduce overall fuel usage. Not to mention you get to spend a little extra time with your people!
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. Using cruise control on the highway can help as well.
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. Use Google Maps or Waze to help with his. Also, 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!
