13 Simple Hacks to Save Thousands of Dollars at the Pump
Tips and Tricks to Cut Fuel Costs
It’s no secret that gas prices have soared during the past year. Gas prices have consistently been above $4/gallon and have even reached $5/gallon in some places.
With this sharp increase in gas, people everywhere are searching for ways to save some dough at the pump. People are trying to make changes so that gas does not eat away at their profits. Those with long commutes or jobs that involve lots of driving are especially concerned about fuel charges.
Although we cannot control the price of gas, there are many changes we can make to improve fuel efficiency and reduce our spending at the pump.
Here is a list of 13 practical ways to cut down on gas expenditures:
1. Use a fuel-efficient car
With the price of gas so high, driving a fuel-efficient car is more important and beneficial than ever before. Driving a car that is efficient and economical can save thousands of dollars over the course of a year.
The most fuel-efficient vehicles on the market are cars like the honda civic, toyota prius and hyundai accent. These cars average around 40 to 50 miles per gallon. The hybrid editions get even better gas mileage.
Thus, if you are looking to buy a new car, consider purchasing one of these vehicles or something similar. Hondas and Toyotas are reliable, durable cars that will not only save you money on gas but will also provide a long life span.
Also, if you own several different vehicles, try to do the bulk of your driving in the one that is most fuel efficient. Try to avoid driving trucks and large SUVs as much as possible. These are huge gas guzzlers.
2. Keep up with the maintenance
Performing regular maintenance on your car will not only extend its life but will also improve your fuel efficiency. Be sure to get your oil changed and replace your oil and air filters at regular intervals. This will help keep your engine clean and reduce fuel costs. In fact, studies show that using a clean air filter can improve fuel efficiency by 10%!
3. Keep the tires properly inflated
You should keep your tires properly inflated to obtain maximum fuel efficiency. Even tires that are a little underinflated can cut down on your gas mileage.
Your vehicle’s owner’s manuel should tell you the proper psi levels for inflating your tires. Also, the door on the driver’s side of your car should list the psi levels for tire pressure.
Try to check the tire pressure every few weeks to make sure they stay properly inflated. Also, be careful not to overinflate your tires. This can damage your tires and cost you more money over time.
4. Drive slowly and smoothly
The manner in which you drive also impacts your fuel expenses. Driving fast and recklessly will decrease your gas mileage. Also, lots of harsh braking and hard acceleration will reduce your fuel efficiency.
The best way to drive for maximum fuel efficiency is to maintain a consistent speed. Driving on the highway will give you greater gas mileage than driving in the city because you will be maintaining a consisten speed.
However, even if you are driving in the city you can still reduce expenses by driving carefully and conscientiously. Try to brake slowly and accelerate slowly at traffic lights and stop signs. Try to maintain adequate distance between vehicles ahead of you so that you don’t have to brake as much.
Also, it’s best to practice coasting to traffic lights and stop signs when possible. Rather than slamming on your brakes right before a traffic light, try to use the momentum of the car to carry you the remaining 100 to 400 feet. You should try to coast during downhill stretches of travel and let gravity carry you along.
5. Batch your errands
Batching your errands is another great way to save a little on gas. This idea indicates that you complete several errands at one time rather than over the course of several days. This will save you money because you will not have to make multiple trips and waste extra gas.
So try to complete several errands during one trip. For example, if you are shopping for groceries you might also want to stop at the bank to deposit your check and at Advance Auto to purchase windshield wiper fluid for your car. If you are going to the barber shop, you could also stop at the gym afterwards or at CVS to pick up your prescription.
When shopping for groceries, try to go only weekly or biweekly rather than making several trips during the week. Try to buy enough to food to last you for a week or two. This will help you spend less money on both gas and food.
6. Walk more
If you live in or near the city you have the opportunity to walk more places. You may live in walking distance of grocery stores, gyms, libraries, school and other places.
If you have the opportunity to walk somewhere, then do it. If you are able to walk to the grocery store, then do it. If you are able to walk to the gym, then do it. It’s not worth driving a couple blocks to get somewhere unless you are really in a hurry or are not feeling well.
Walking places will not only save you money on gas and vehicle expenses, it’s also excellent for your health. Walking has a ton of health benefits. It helps lower blood sugar, stimulate the lymphatic system, lubricates joints, relieves stress and increases creative thinking. Walking is also a practice of blue zone cultures and is linked to longevity.
7. Avoid letting the car idle
When you stop your car for several minutes to wait for something, it is best to turn the car off completely rather than allowing it to idle. Allowing the car to idle for more than 10 seconds uses more gas than turning the car on and off. In fact, allowing the car to idle for two minutes uses as much fuel as driving two miles!
Some examples of places where you may have to stop your car are waiting at the bank, waiting at the drive through at a fast food joint, waiting to pick up your family at church, waiting for a traffic light to change or waiting for a train at a railroad crossing. In all these situations, it is always better to turn your car off if you will be waiting for more than a few seconds.
8. Use cash back gas apps
Another way to save a few bucks on gas is by using cash back apps, including Upside and GasBuddy. These cash back apps can help you save a decent amont of cash if you use them consistently.
Upside is a cash back app that allows you to save a few cents per gallon at certain gas stations. You can often save 10 to 15 cents per gallon. You just have to check in at the gas station and then fill your gas tank within four hours. Then you will receive the money saved when your balance reaches ten dollars. However, you can only use Upside on gas stations that are selected on the app.
GasBuddy also allows you to save a few cents per gallon. You can order a GasBuddy debit card which is then linked to your bank account. When you use the debit card to pay, you then receive a few cents per gallon back. Similar to Upside, gas buddy is only available to use as specific gas stations on the app. You can also sign up for a premium version of GasBuddy, which allows you to save even more at the pump. However, you do have to pay for the premium version, so it may not be worth it.
9. Use gas rewards cards
Many large gas station chains offer rewards cards, which allow you to save a few cents each time at the pump. Sheetz, Speedway, Exxonmobil and Sunoco are examples of some gas stations that offer rewards cards. So if you use any of these gas stations, sign up for their rewards program to save a little.
Using rewards cards and cash back apps will not make you rich or save you thousands of dollars. However, if you use these rewards consistently you could save $10 to $20 per year. That is a decent amount of money and worth the effort of saving.
10. Shop at the cheapest gas station in your area
Not all gas stations have equal prices. The difference in gas prices in your area may vary by as much as 10 to 20 cents. Try to locate one of the cheapest stations in your area and use that to fill up your tank.
However, only use a gas station that is convenient to use, such as one that is along your route home from work. Do not drive several miles out of your way just to use a cheaper gas station. This is just a waste of time and will probably not save you any money.
11. Keep your vehicle light
Keeping your vehicle light will also increase your fuel economy. The more weight your vehicle has to carry, the harder your engine will have to work and the more fuel it will burn. Thus, it’s best to keep your vehicle as light as possible.
Try to keep your trunk and backseat free of clutter and heavy items. Just keep a few items in your trunk for emergencies.
Another way to keep your vehicle lighter is to only fill the gas tank up halfway. This means you will have to fill up your tank more often, but your vehicle will also be lighter and will use less energy.
12. Fill up your vehicle in the morning or late night on weekdays
Gas stations often change their prices according to consumer demand. Gas stations tend to jack up their prices during the weekends and rush hours to take advantage of the huge demand. Thus, it’s best to avoid filling up on gas during these times.
The best time to fill up on gas is in the mornings or late at night during weekdays. Experts say that Mondays and Tuesdays are typically the best days to get fuel. Also, scientists report that gas is cooler and denser during the early morning and late night hours. This means that you will get slightly more fuel per gallon during those hours.
13. Avoid gas stations along the highways
Gas stations that are situated along the highway also increase their prices to take advantage of consumer demand. They know that people will use their gas stations because they are convenient. Even if the price is high many people traveling along the highway will still use these gas stations rather than drive farther into town.
So if possible try to fill up your gas tank before you travel on the highway. This way you will not be forced to stop and fill up your tank at an expensive gas station along the highway.
These are some practical tips that will help reduce your fuel costs. Most of these tips will not save you a huge chunk of money. However, if you practice these tips consistently, you will reap the rewards. Small amounts of money saved over a long time span adds up to major savings.
