How To Save Money On Gas

Are you feeling the pinch at the pump? You’re not alone! U.S. citizens alone consumed 137.05 billion gallons of gasoline in 2023. That’s about 376 million gallons per day! With such high consumption, it’s no wonder that everyone is left wondering – how can I save on gas?

But there are a few ways in which you can fight the rising gas prices and keep more money in your pocket. The tips we’re about to share can help you reduce your fuel consumption and save on your gas expenses. Ready to start saving?

10 Ways To Save on Gas

1. Use Gas Rewards Credit Cards

Are you tired of watching your hard-earned money disappear at the pump? Are you wondering how to get cheaper gas? Then it's time to start using gas rewards credit cards! These cards can help you save big on every gallon, turning your necessary expenses into valuable rewards.

How Can I Save on Gas With Gas Rewards Credit Cards?

1. Most gas rewards cards offer 3% to 5% cash back or points on every dollar you spend on gas. That’s like getting an instant discount every time you fill up!
2. Many cards offer rewards on other purchases too, like groceries or dining out. It’s like getting a bonus for living your everyday life!
3. Some cards greet you with sign-up bonuses. It’s free money just for choosing their card!
4. Unlike brand-specific gas station cards, many gas rewards cards can be used anywhere. You’re not tied to a single station, giving you the freedom to chase the best prices.

We have created a list of the top gas rewards credit cards you can use:

Remember, the best card for you depends on your spending habits and financial goals. You need to consider your typical monthly gas expenses, other spending categories you’d like to earn rewards on, and whether you’re comfortable with the annual fee.

2. Drive Less

Walking is one of the simplest ways to save money on gas. Whether it’s a quick trip to the grocery store or even walking to work if possible, every step counts. Walking for short errands will not only reduce your gas bill but also make you healthy. Plus, walking allows you to enjoy the fresh air and connect with your community in a way that driving can’t. If walking is too much (all your stops are too far), you can consider combining walking with other eco-friendly options like biking or carpooling for longer trips. If your job allows it, working from home can also eliminate the need for a daily commute. Additionally, many cities offer public transportation options that can help you save on gas while reducing traffic congestion.

3. Download Gas Apps

How to get cheaper gas? How to know you are getting the best gas price in the area? Well, your smartphone can help you with that. There are plenty of gas apps you can download to learn about gas prices, compare them, and make the right choice. Apps like GasBuddy can give you real-time price comparisons, while apps like Upside offer cashback rewards for fueling at a specific destination.

How To Save Money on Gas with Gas Apps

• GasBuddy: The crowd favorite, offering price comparisons and up to 25 cents off per gallon with their payment card.
• Waze: Not just for navigation, it also shows gas prices along your route.
• Upside: Earn cashback on gas purchases at participating stations.
• Checkout 51: Combine gas savings with grocery cashback offers.

4. Perform Regular Maintenance

If you are still wondering, "How can I save money on gas? then keeping your vehicle in prime condition is another factor you can't miss. Maintaining your car regularly will increase its longevity, and it will also save you money. You can follow the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule to keep your car running smoothly so it consumes less fuel. Here are a few improvements you can do to keep your car in tip-top shape:

• Replacing worn-out spark plugs can improve fuel efficiency by up to 30%. This is because faulty spark plugs force your engine to work harder, burning more fuel in the process.
• A clean air filter is crucial for optimal engine performance because a clogged filter can reduce fuel efficiency. Regularly replacing it will help maintain your car’s fuel economy.
• Properly inflated tires are essential for maximizing fuel efficiency. Underinflated tires can decrease gas mileage by about 0.2% for every 1 PSI drop. Regular checks are easy and can make a noticeable difference.
• Sticking to your car’s maintenance schedule ensures that your engine runs smoothly and efficiently. Regular oil changes, tune-ups, and checks can help prevent issues that might lead to increased fuel consumption.

If you want to save money on gas, then you need to ensure your car is well-maintained. It will keep your driving cost-efficient by increasing your mileage.

5. Choose the Right Gas

Choosing the right type of gas for your car is an often-overlooked way to save money at the pump. Unless your car's manufacturer specifically recommends premium gas, there's no need to pay extra for it. But the question remains: how to get cheaper gas?

How To Get Cheaper Gas

Regular unleaded gas is perfectly fine for most vehicles and costs significantly less than premium. Using premium gas in a car that doesn't require it won't improve performance or fuel efficiency; it's simply money wasted. Check your owner's manual to confirm what type of fuel your car actually needs.

Another smart choice is opting for Top Tier gasoline, which is available in both regular and premium grades. Top Tier gas contains detergents that help clean your engine and prevent carbon buildup, which can improve fuel efficiency and extend the life of your vehicle. Major brands like Shell, ExxonMobil, Chevron, and BP offer Top Tier options, so you don't have to compromise on quality while saving money.

6. Join a Membership Club

Joining a membership club can be a game-changer for your gas budget. Warehouse stores like Costco, Sam’s Club, and BJ’s offer their members access to discounted gas prices that can significantly reduce fuel expenses. But the benefits don’t stop at gas prices. These memberships offer a range of perks that can help offset the annual fee:

• Costco ($65/year): It offers deals on top-tier gas quality, an extensive network of gas stations, and additional rewards with its co-branded credit card. You can try out Costco coupons on GrabOn to get massive discounts!
• Sam’s Club ($50/year): It has the cheapest membership cost, with gas discounts and a rewards credit card option. We also have Sam's Club coupons at Grabon that you can use to enjoy more benefits.
• BJ’s ($60/year): It often offers the lowest gas prices among the three, accepts manufacturer coupons, and provides cash back on purchases. If you want to save more, we also have exciting BJs coupons you can try out.

The ideal membership for you depends on factors like location, driving habits, and overall shopping needs. If you choose the right membership, you could save up to $160 annually on gas alone! On top of that, you will also save on other everyday purchases!

7. Try Fuel-Efficient Routes

While you may not always know how to get cheap gas, you can always know the cheapest possible route. You can use GPS apps like Google Maps to plan your journeys to avoid traffic congestion and minimize backtracking. This not only saves you time but also reduces your fuel consumption. For instance, Google Maps allows you to check real-time traffic updates and typical traffic patterns by the hour, helping you choose the best time to start your trip. You can also use the app to combine different modes of transportation, like driving and public transit, which can be more fuel-efficient for certain routes.

Combine all your errands into one efficient trip to save time and fuel. Several short trips from a cold start can use twice as much fuel. When planning your route, you can use Google Maps’ “Leave Later” feature to compare travel times at different departure times and choose the most fuel-efficient option.

8. Get Fuel Discounts When You Grocery Shop

Did you know your weekly grocery run could help you get gas for cheap? Many supermarket chains offer fuel rewards programs that let you earn discounts on gas while you shop for essentials. It’s like getting a bonus for something you’re already doing!

Here’s how it typically works: For example, if you spend $100 on groceries, then you can earn 10 cents off per gallon of gas. Some top programs to check out:

How To Save Money on Gas While Grocery Shopping

• Safeway for U lets you stack rewards up to 20 cents off per gallon.
• With Kroger Fuel Rewards, you can earn up to $1 off per gallon at Kroger fuel centers. For more benefits, you can check out Kroger coupons at GrabOn.
• Albertsons' "for U program offers savings at Chevron and Texaco stations. We also have amazing Albertsons coupons you can use to enjoy more discounts.
• Food City Fuel Bucks gives you 15 cents off per gallon for every $150 spent.

Many of these programs offer extra points for gift card purchases and prescriptions, so plan your shopping strategically to get more out of your fuel savings.

9. Drive Smartly

Did you know that your driving habits can have a significant impact on your fuel consumption? By driving smartly, you can stretch your gas dollars further and reduce your trips to the pump. One simple trick to save gas while driving is to avoid idling. If you’re going to be stationary for more than 10 seconds (except in traffic), turn off your engine. This includes situations like waiting in drive-throughs, picking up kids from school, or using ATMs.

Another key to smart driving is adopting a smooth, steady driving style. Aggressive driving behaviors like speeding, rapid acceleration, and sudden braking can lower your gas mileage. Instead, accelerate gently, anticipate stops to avoid sudden braking, and use cruise control on highways when possible. Remember, every time you slam on the brakes, you’re essentially throwing away the gas you used to get up to speed. So drive carefully and sensibly!

10. Use AC Only When Needed

When it comes to saving gas, your car’s air conditioning system can be either a friend or a foe. Using your A/C wisely can help you stay comfortable without cranking up the gas bill. Here are some cool tips:

• Before you start your journey on a hot day, open all the doors for a minute or two to let the hot air escape. This simple act can significantly reduce the initial load on your A/C system, saving fuel right from the start.
• If you’re driving at lower speeds (typically under 40 mph), consider rolling down your windows instead of using the A/C. The natural breeze can keep you cool without the extra fuel consumption.
• For longer trips or highway driving, your A/C is actually more fuel-efficient than open windows, which create drag.
• When you do use the A/C, set it to the highest comfortable temperature – you’ll still feel cool, but your system won’t have to work as hard.
• Also, use the “recirculate” setting when possible; it’s more efficient to cool air that’s already in the car than to constantly cool hot air from outside.

Remember, every degree cooler you set your A/C below 72F (22C) can decrease your fuel economy by about 3%. By being smart about your A/C use, you can stay cool and save some cool cash on gas at the same time!

Wrapping Up

Gas bills can go up pretty fast, and it can be hard to keep up with it. However, you can save on gas and reduce your spending considerably if you follow these saving tips. Are you interested in saving more on your travel? We also have some amazing travel coupons you can explore.