Are you wondering how to save money on gas? Do you think that the price of gas is going to continue to rise? Think again. According to data from the Energy Information Administration, the national average for a gallon of regular gas in mid-January 2009 was $1.83. Today, COVID-19 and the ongoing crude oil price war could lower prices to $1.75 per gallon according to AAA.
If you wanted to save even more on gas, it’s possible.
There are several ways you can save money on car gas. Learning how to save money on gas will save you thousands over the years. The use of apps and proper maintenance of your car can play a great role in saving you on fuel consumption.
The place where you buy the gas also matters as there are some outlets where you can access to gas for cheaper prices. Also, regular car maintenance and repair can make your car consume fuel efficiently. Want more tips? Here are some of the ways you can improve your fuel efficiency.
How to Save Money on Gas for Your Car
Finding ways to save money on your vehicle expenses isn’t hard if you know where to look. From buying a car for the right price and learning how to shop for car insurance, the savings can add up. But what about saving money on gas? Here are some ways to do just that.
1. Buy Discounted Gas Gift Cards
There are some fuel stations where you can access gas at discounted rates if you decide to use their special gift cards. You can also find gas deals on sites like Referral Codes so you could advantage of them so that you can save on your gas cost. You can also use cash back apps for gas to save up to $1 per gallon at the pump.
2. Slow Down and Drive Steady
Many drivers find it fun to drive fast, but the high speed will cost you more in terms of gas cost. You can save your money if you can develop a habit of driving slowly and limiting your top speed. Instant acceleration will lead to more gas consumption.
3. Strategically Time Your Trips to the Pump
Most gas stations will increase their prices in anticipation of weekend travels. You can choose the time of the week when you refuel for you to save money. Some gas stations are known to charge fair rates; you can use available mobile apps to locate such gas stations for you to save money.
4. Use Your Smartphone Apps
Apps such as GetUpside and other gas-saving apps allow you to locate the cheapest gas station where you are driving. Using such apps on your iPhone can make it easy for you to locate the best places where you can buy gas and save money.
5. Don’t Let the Engine Idle too Long
If you let your engine idle for too long, then you should be prepared to pay more for gas. You can save your money if you can avoid too much idling of your engine when at standstill or when warming up your car.
6. Pay the Right Way
There are some stations where you will have to pay more for the credit card payment as opposed to paying in cash. They have some charges, which will be used to process the transaction. You can save a lot of money if you can identify a gas station where paying via the card is the same as paying via cash.
7. Do the Proper Maintenance
Regular maintenance such as keeping your tires fully inflated and changing filters will make your car consume gas efficiently. Before you set out for a long trip, ensure your car is well maintained for you to enjoy saving on fuel.
8. Monitor When and How You Brake
Excessive breaking will lead to more wear and tear on your tires and brakes. It also leads to wasting gas. Try to keep the safe distance when in heavy traffic so that you can avoid wasting fuel. If you are about to approach a pump or traffic light where you must slow down, you should start earlier by letting the acceleration free so that you can save on fuel.
9. Turn off the Engine
There are times when you will have to wait for someone to finish shopping so that you can drive her way. For you to save on gas, you should switch off the engine when you are waiting. Letting the engine run while your car is at the parking will lead to wastage of gas as well as polluting the air.
10. Eliminate Wind Resistances
Some of the ways you can limit wind resistance when driving include closing your windows. If you have unnecessary car racks, you should remove them for you to reduce the air resistance which will contribute toward making your car fuel-efficient. There are some models of cars which are made to be aerodynamic; you can buy such models for you to save more on your fuel consumption.
11. Monitor Your Tires
Underinflated tires will wear out faster and waste gas. Changes in the air condition where you drive can lead to increasing or reducing air pressure in your tires. It is necessary to check your tire pressure regularly and ensure they are fully inflated so that you can reduce resistance on the road as you drive. Several gas stations offer free tire pressure checkups for you to check your car.
12. Tune the Engine
An engine, which is properly tuned up, will lead to saving you a lot of gas in the long run. It is necessary to keep a record on when you tuned up the engine so that you can always have a car engine, which is working at optimum.
13. Change Filters
If you live in a place with a lot of dust, then you should make an effort to change the filters regularly. With clean filters, your car will run more fuel efficiently. Your local mechanic can help you change the filters. There are different brands of the filters available, always go for air and oil filters, which are known to offer you the best services.
14. Use the Correct Motor Oil
Using the wrong motor oil for your car will make the engine run harder which will waste your gas. It is necessary always to choose the right motor oil. You should always ensure you check your car manufacturer’s manuals for you to know the right motor oil for your car.
15. Turn Off the A/C
Many people love air conditioning when in the car, but as much as you switch on your A/C, your car will become a gas-guzzler. You can park your car under the shade; open windows among other methods to keep your car cool instead of switching on the air conditioners, which will make your car, consume more fuel.
16. Manage Your Speed
If you drive an automatic transmission, then you should consider using cruise control. You can utilize the cruise control mechanism on your car for you to manage speed and save on your fuel consumption.
17. Buy a More Efficient Car
Another way to spend less on gasoline is by buying a car that has a higher MPG (miles per gallon) rating, such as a hybrid or electric one. This way, you’ll never have to worry about buying gas anymore.
18. Remove Racks
Do you have a bicycle rack or ski rack on your car? If you are not using it then you should take it off in order to reduce weight and wind resistance — which will result in you increasing your gas mileage.
19. Check Your Gas Cap
Did you know that if you have a bad seal or missing cap it can actually cause gas to evaporate? This can cost you money and is also bad for the environment since it pollutes the air. So if you notice your gas cap is loose, then consider replacing it soon in order to save money on gas.
Final Word
The cost of gasoline per gallon always changes but there are simple ways for you to save money on your gasoline purchases. You can join a gas station rewards program, get a warehouse club membership, carpool whenever it’s convenient, and keep your car tires properly inflated. And if possible, maximize your regular routes and drive with fuel efficiency in mind. Whether you need money now or are just looking for ways to save money today — it’s possible.
Can you think of any other tips to save money gas?
