Keeping up with gas-saving strategies is critical, especially for Californians who spend dozens of hours in traffic each month.
Another perk? Maximising your fuel efficiency means lowering your carbon footprint, which is beneficial to both your wallet and the environment.
Using statistics and personal experience, we’ll look at some clever but often overlooked ways to save money on gas.
1: Choose Your Refill Days Carefully
Many Americans are unaware that the day of the week you choose to fill your tank can influence the amount of money you spend.
According to GasBuddy, a gas price comparison app, Monday is the best day of the week to buy gas if you want to save money. Friday is the second best day.
Remember that this only applies to averages; many factors can influence gas prices on a given day. However, Mondays are statistically the safest bet.
2: Make the Most Out of Apps
When it comes to price comparisons, there are numerous app options available directly from your smartphone. Apps like GasBuddy, Fuel Forward, Gas Guru, Waze, and AAA Mobile make it easier to find low-cost gas.
Because gas prices can vary by only a few blocks or even across the street, having these apps on hand can help you save money and time.
Save yourself the weekly drive around the neighbourhood looking for the cheapest station.
3: Regular or Premium?
The labels “regular gas” and “premium gas” are somewhat misleading. The octane rating, which measures the fuel’s tendency to ignite based on piston compression force, is the key difference.
Unless you’re driving a high-performance car that requires premium gas, there’s little advantage to using it in a standard consumer vehicle.
It does not burn cleaner or more efficiently. It simply costs more.
4: Avoid Topping Off Your Tank
Not only will trying to fill your gas tank to the very top cost you more money, but it may also be harmful to your vehicle. It could harm the onboard refuelling vapour recovery system (ORVR), which is a charcoal canister that collects and absorbs fuel vapour during the refuelling process.
The ORVR is typically designed to last the entire life of your vehicle.
However, topping off too frequently can saturate the system and necessitate costly repairs. So, the next time you’re at the pump, don’t worry about getting the perfect even dollar amount!
5: Tighten Your Gas Cap
Another tip for saving money and increasing safety: make sure your gas cap is properly tightened after refuelling. Leaving it too loose or off for too long can allow vapour to escape into the atmosphere.
Most modern vehicles have an alert light or message when the gas cap is not tight enough, but you should always check it yourself at each refuelling.
6: Opt for Little Towns
Gas stations specifically target people travelling long distances with few options.
Gas prices tend to be higher in major cities, just off highway exits, and near airports.
If you need to refuel on a road trip, take a slight detour through town rather than filling up at the first gas station off the exit. This allows you to save money while still seeing as much as possible during your trip!
7: Join a Gas Loyalty Program
Most gas stations and grocery stores offer loyalty programmes that include gas discounts as well as cash back on purchases and car washes.
The idea is straightforward: the more you spend, the more points you earn and save in the long run.
If you frequently use a particular gas station brand, consider joining its loyalty programme. Just keep in mind that your points are only applicable to that particular company.
8: Get a Gas Rewards Credit Card
Alternatively, you can get a gas rewards credit card that works anywhere through your preferred bank. Gas rewards cards earn points or cash back for every dollar spent on gas, usually at a rate of 3% to 5%.
There is also a lovely welcome bonus!
However, as with any credit card, always compare rates and read the fine print. Consider the card’s rules and caps, the 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 that could leave you stranded, but it also limits your options.
You don’t want to be in a situation where you’re so desperate for gas that you’ll accept the nearest station, which may be absurdly expensive.
When the low fuel light comes on, it’s time to listen. Don’t take responsibility for limiting your own options.
10: Carpooling is Cool
In some cases, leaving your vehicle behind completely may be the best option.
Why take two cars if you’re all going the same way?
Get to know your neighbours and coworkers. Take turns driving and share the gas bill. Besides, isn’t it more fun to travel with someone?
11: Consider Different Payment Methods
Certain gas stations offer a lower price if you pay in cash rather than with a credit card. You can sometimes save 10 to 15 cents per gallon, or even more.
However, keep in mind that your cash back credit card may offer similar rewards.
Take the time to do some math and determine whether it is cheaper to pay in cash or use your credit card’s cash back programme.
12: Check Your Tire Pressure
There is never a bad time to check the air pressure in your tyres. Even one slightly deflated tyre can have a negative impact on how smoothly your vehicle runs.
This means that your car needs more power (aka gas) to get started.
Checking your tyre pressure is especially important when travelling long distances, as a flat tyre would be extremely inconvenient. Always have a spare tyre handy!
13: Slow Down
Flat tyres are a bad way to slow down, but avoiding being in a hurry to get somewhere is a good way. That’s because the faster you drive, the more gas your car uses.
Adopting more environmentally friendly driving habits allows you to not only save money but also reduce your carbon footprint.
Long stretches of highway can be tempting to speed through, but to save the most gas, keep your speed below 75 mph. Even better, keep your lead foot at speeds below 65 mph.
14: Lighten Your Load
Car clutter is more than an aesthetic issue; it also has an impact on fuel efficiency. Remove any unnecessary items from your vehicle, particularly heavy ones.
Every pound of excess equals more energy expenditure, so streamline your car’s cargo to maximise fuel savings.
As convenient as it may appear, your car’s trunk is not an ideal storage space. It just weighs you down.
15: Plan Your Trips Ahead of Time
Strategic route planning can help reduce fuel consumption. Combine multiple errands into a single trip to avoid unnecessary driving.
Check traffic conditions ahead of time and consider shorter, less congested routes.
Avoid rush hour traffic whenever possible, as frequent stops and slow traffic can waste fuel. Sometimes it’s better to avoid the highway altogether.
