Gas has come down in price, but it is still worth taking the time to look for the best gasoline deals so you can save money on gas and cut your commuting and transportation costs. If you are looking for tips on how to save on gas, look no further- these 10 tips can help you spend far less at the pump and keep more money in your pocket.
1. Avoid over-filling your tank
Stopping for gas is a hassle, so you may be tempted to try to fill your car up to the brim. Unfortunately, this practice can cost you money in a number of different ways. There’s a good chance that gas will spill down the side of your car if you overfill the tank. This means wasted money for gas that you don’t use — and possible damage to your paint job.
2. Reduce your driving
One of the biggest and most obvious ways to save on gas is simply to drive less. Coordinate your trips to the store and work so you are stopping places on your way to somewhere else and so you’re getting lots of errands done at one time. Consider carpooling with co-workers or friends, or using other kinds of transportation like the bus, your bike or your feet to get around.
3. Buy discounted gas cards
One great way to save money on gas is to buy gas cards at a discount. Websites like GiftCardGranny make it possible for you to buy cards at less than face value. If you pay only $95 for a $100 card, you are getting free gas… and saving five percent out of every $100 gas purchase.
4. Use low-octane gas
There is no reason why you should have to fill up your vehicle with high octane gas, unless your manufacturer specifically requires it. Most cars do just fine with low octane fuel, but check your manual to find out exactly what you’re supposed to be using. It’s not worth damaging your engine — but you also don’t want to pay more for premium gas unless it’s absolutely necessary for you to do so.
5. Skip the warm-up
Do you warm up your car for a long time during the winter? This can be a big waste of gas and a waste of money if you overdo it. If you don’t want to have to clear snow, try to park under cover or in the garage so you don’t have to leave the car on for the snow to melt off. If you park in a garage, your vehicle will also stay warmer so you won’t have to run it to heat it up in order to avoid getting into a freezing car.
6. Go slow at traffic lights
You can reduce your fuel consumption substantially by stopping slowly at a red light or accelerating slowly after the light turns green instead of slamming on the brakes or peeling out. If you’re in a Land Rover, you could reduce fuel consumption by 35 percent by simply going slower before or after a red light.
7. Fill up your tank at the right time
Gas prices go up on Thursdays because people are filling up their vehicle in anticipation of weekend trips. Try to avoid buying gas any time after 10 AM on Thursday, as 10:00 in the morning is when gas stations change to their weekend prices. The elevated weekend price will remain in effect until Monday, so avoid buying gas until the price comes back down.
8. Keep your car in good shape
Improperly maintained cars are much less fuel efficient, especially if the vehicle fails an emissions inspection. You’ll want to make absolutely sure that your spark plugs do not become worn out. If a spark plug misfires, that will substantially reduce any vehicle’s fuel efficiency.
9. Make use of apps
Phone apps like Waze or even your standard map apps show you where there is traffic so you can try to avoid areas where you’re likely to get stuck and sit on the road. There are also apps like AAA’s Triptik, which will provide you with the information you need to find the cheapest gas near where you are located. If you can fill up for less and avoid sitting in traffic, you can save money on gas very easily.
10. Don’t keep unnecessary stuff on, or on, your car
If your vehicle is weighed down, you’re going to be much less fuel efficient as the car will have to move extra weight as it goes forward. Putting items like bicycle racks on the top of your vehicle can also make your car weigh much more and be much less aerodynamic, which can have an adverse impact on fuel efficiency.
If you keep your car well tuned up, avoid unnecessary extra items, shop for gas strategically and make use of gas cards, you’ll get the best gasoline deals and save money on gas whenever you fill up.