Anne Taylor
With gas prices hitting record highs, everyone is feeling the pinch at the pump. While we don’t have a lot of control over the prices, there are some things you can do to use less gas and bring the total number a little lower. Here are a few realistic ways that you can save money on gasoline.
Drive Smart
Check Your Tires
Pay With Grocery Rewards Points
Take Advantage of Credit Cards
Cut Out Unnecessary Trips
Keep Your Car Maintained
Compare Gas Prices
Drive Smart
The number of miles you put on your car isn’t the only thing that affects how quickly you burn through gas. For example, using cruise control on the highway can help you maintain a consistent speed and avoid wasting gas with sudden stops and starts. According to Kia, opting for cruise control can use anywhere from 7% to 20% less fuel than driving without the function.
Additionally, make sure you’re not carrying around any unnecessary weight in your trunk or backseat. An extra 100 pounds in your car can reduce your fuel economy by about 1%, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. If you’re regularly carrying around things like golf clubs or extra shopping bags, you may want to lighten your load to save a few bucks at the pump.
Check Your Tires
Your tire pressure can also affect how much gas you use while driving. If your tires are under-inflated, it can cause them to drag against the road and use up more gasoline. Checking your tire pressure once or twice a month can ensure they are kept at the optimal level and help you save some money.
Additionally, if your tires are due for a replacement, it’s important to get them changed as soon as possible. Worn-out tires can also negatively affect your fuel economy.
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Pay With Grocery Rewards Points
If you have a grocery store loyalty card, you may be able to use your rewards points to save money on gas. For example, Kroger has a rewards program that gives users 10 cents off per gallon for every 100 fuel points redeemed.
Other national grocery store chains that offer fuel rewards programs include Safeway, Albertsons, Stop & Shop, and Piggly Wiggly. Many regional chains also offer programs. If you shop at the same grocery store frequently, it can pay off (literally) to ask about rewards points and use them towards gasoline.
Take Advantage of Credit Cards
Many credit cards also offer rewards points that can be redeemed at the gas pump. According to CNBC, the best credit card for gas rewards is the PenFed Platinum Rewards Visa Signature Card, which offers 5X points on gas purchases that can be redeemed on future bills.
Other solid credit card options include the Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express, the PNC Cash Rewards Visa Card, and the Citi Premier Card.
Before signing up for a new credit card solely for the purpose of saving money on gas, make sure to do your research. Some cards come with annual fees that could offset any savings you earn at the pump. You should also be sure to pay off your balance in full every month to avoid interest charges.
Cut Out Unnecessary Trips
If you can, try to consolidate your errands into one trip instead of making multiple trips throughout the week. Not only will this save you time, but it will also help you save money on gas.
Another way to reduce the number of trips you take is to carpool when possible, whether you are commuting or going to community functions. If you have kids who participate in extracurricular activities, see if any other parents are interested in splitting the ride. This can also be a great opportunity to get to know other families in your community.
By driving less, you can not only save money on gas, but you can also do your part to help the environment. Reducing the number of cars on the road can help reduce pollution and traffic congestion.
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Keep Your Car Maintained
One of the best ways to save money on gas is to keep your car in good working condition. This means getting regular oil changes, tune-ups, and other necessary maintenance.
When your car is well-maintained, it runs more efficiently and uses less gasoline over the course of its lifetime. This can save you money in the long run, and it can also help you avoid costly repairs down the road.
If you’re not sure how often to get your car serviced, consult your owner’s manual or ask a mechanic. They will be able to advise you on what type of maintenance is necessary for your specific vehicle.
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Compare Gas Prices
While this tip won’t work for people who only have one gas station near them, many people drive by multiple gas stations throughout the course of the day. If this is the case for you, it’s a good idea to compare prices and fill up at the station with the lowest price.
Of course, you don’t want to drive out of your way to save a few cents per gallon, but if there’s a gas station that’s on your way and has lower prices, it’s worth considering. You can also use an app like GasBuddy to find the cheapest gas prices in your area. All you have to do is enter your location and GasBuddy will show you a list of nearby gas stations with their current prices.
Gas prices are crazy right now, but there are many ways to save some money here and there. By taking care of your car and being mindful of your driving habits, you can make your wallet a little happier and keep your vehicle running smoothly for years to come.
