Simple Ways to Save on Gas

We don’t need to tell you that gas is expensive; you probably deal with rising gas prices every week. You’re not alone - the cost of gas is eating up the budget of millions of Americans right along with you. But, what can you do about it? You need gas for your work commute, to take your kids to school, for daily errands.

We’ve compiled some simple ways to save on gas at the pump. Take a look below.

Stop Warming Up Your Car

When it’s cold outside, many people will allow their cars to warm up - this isn’t necessary anymore. Modern cars don’t require long warm-ups and doing so is a big waste of gas. Try turning your car on about 30 seconds before you take off.

Slow Down

As tempting as it may be to drive fast, slowing down will save you money on gas - not to mention it’s safer. When you cut down on quick accelerations and keep your speed at or just below the speed limit, you’ll notice a considerable difference in how often you need to fill up your tank.

Turn Off Your Engine

When your car is idling, it’s using unnecessary gas. The next time you’re waiting for your kids in the car line at school or stuck behind a slow customer in the drive-thru lane, try turning your car off instead of letting your car idle.

Plan Your Gas Purchases

When you wait until the last minute to purchase gas, you often have limited choices on where you can buy because you’re scrambling to just get to the nearest station before you run out of gas. Paying attention to when you’re close to running out and making a point to fill up in advance can greatly reduce your chances of overpaying at the pump.

Check Your Filters

Clean filters equal more fuel efficiency. Make sure your filters are changed often to optimize your fuel usage.

Keep Up With Maintenance

When you keep your car regularly tuned-up you’re doing the best thing for it. A vehicle that has regular oil changes and tune-ups will use fuel more wisely and lessen the number of times you need to go to the pump.

Join a Warehouse Club

If there was ever a good reason to join a warehouse club, like Sam’s or Costco, it’s gas. The $30-$50 membership can be worth it alone when you can save 20-50 cents per gallon at the pump as compared to other local gas stations. This is especially helpful if you commute long distances regularly and have to fill up often.

Keep Your Tires in Good Condition

Properly maintained and inflated tires reduce friction on the road and will, in turn, help you save on gas usage. Be sure to check your air pressure regularly and switch out your tires when they’re worn.

Fill Up Your Tank Strategically

Consider where you purchase your gas and when you purchase your gas. It’s been found that gas stations close to the highway tend to have higher prices due to their convenience. It’s also often the case that gas is cheaper early in the morning or late in the evening.

Use Gas Apps

There are several smartphone apps you can utilize to notify you of the lowest gas prices in your area. Check out GasBuddy before you fuel up next time - it could save you some serious cash.

Use less A/C

It’s tempting to blast the A/C when temperatures are high, but we often overuse the cold air and it depletes our gas. Try lowering the blast of cool the next time you’re in the car.