How to Save Money on Gas

When you’re planning to buy a car, you probably take the time to figure out your budget and how much you can afford for car payments. But do you also consider the amount you’re going to spend on gas to get where you want to go? If the price you’re spending at the pump has you worried about your budget, here are some tips to help you save money on gas. 

Join a fuel rewards program to save money on gas

One of the best ways to save money when you have to fill up is to join a fuel rewards program. Most gas stations and grocery stores offer some type of program. With some, you may get discounts on gas when you buy special products in the store. These savings are usually small at one to five cents per gallon, but it can add up over time.

Other programs allow you to save money by giving you points for every dollar spent. Usually, it’s one point per dollar, but that adds up. If you spend $100 in gas or in the store, you get $10 on your card as a rewards member. Just make sure you aren’t driving out of your way to get the savings, or you could end up spending more than what you get back.

Download fuel apps

Other companies offer special apps to help you save money on fuel. One of the newest and most popular is Get Upside. You download it to your phone and choose a location where you will get cash back when you fill your gas tank. This app also helps you save when you’re eating out, and the amounts can really add up.

T-Mobile is a cell phone carrier that offers special deals to their customers, which includes savings on gas at participating stations. You’ll find similar companies that will help you cut down your fuel bill. Just Google apps to save money on gas or companies that offer fuel discounts to see what pops up.

Keep your tires inflated correctly to save money on gas

Did you know that you burn more gas if your tires aren’t fully inflated? It only takes a small dip in pressure to make a difference. While the amount might not seem like much, it can add up when you include it with other fuel savings.

You can buy a tire pressure gauge to check your own tires or take your vehicle to your mechanic. Most shops will check your air pressure for free and let you know if you need to air up.

Change the oil regularly

Another maintenance task that will help you save money on fuel is regular oil changes. When your oil gets dirty, the engine has to work harder, which means more fuel is being used.

Synthetic oil can help you drive even more efficiently. While it costs more to use synthetic oil, you will save on fuel and on the wear of your parts, which can really add up in the long-term.

Skip on the A/C

When you use the air conditioner in your car, it takes more fuel. While you may not be willing to turn off the system on the hottest days, you can wait to turn it on until the temperature gets a little warmer than usual.

Instead, roll the windows down or turn on the defrost and floor and cooler air will come in until the temperature gets really hot. Shut the A/C down and other accessories when you start your vehicle, so the engine doesn’t have to work as hard or burn as much fuel.

Get better driving habits

The way you drive can also impact how much fuel your vehicle uses. Avoid revving your engine, which just burns extra gas. Drive within the speed limit to save on fuel. Gradually build up speed instead of pressing all the way down on the accelerator.

Plan your trips to do more errands at one time. Maybe you can do without that frozen pizza until you also need the staples on your grocery list. If you and a friend need to go shopping, plan your trip together. The next trip, the other person can drive and you both end up saving money and having more fun.

While you can’t do anything about the price of fuel, you can find ways to beat the cost and save at the pump. Try to add one or more of these ideas into your life and see what a difference it makes.