Drivers will tell you: Gas is expensive. In fact, the average American household is expected to spend about $2,250 on gas in .1 Though the price at the pump is down from its peak in , for many budgets remain tight, and squeezing a couple extra miles out of each tank could go a long way.
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Want to spend less than that average? There are 2 main ways to save on gas: Find better prices or use less fuel. Read on for money-saving tips that can give your wallet a rest.
1. Fill up off the beaten path
Stations in high-traffic areas, such as near major intersections, at highway rest stops, and close to shopping centers, can charge 25 cents more per gallon than those in less-trafficked places.2 So comparison shop and buy at less-expensive gas stations when possible. Search online for a website or app that tracks pump prices in your area. In most states, gas stations can change their price throughout the day, so check prices whenever you're about to fill up.
2. Don't wait until your tank is almost empty
If you're low on gas, you might not be able to get to the station with the best prices. So always have enough gas to make it to the cheapest pump. Just don't go so far out of your way that you cancel out your savings by using too much gas to get to the affordable station.
3. Pay with cash or debit
Many gas stations charge less if you use cash or a debit card because it helps them avoid credit card fees. If there isn't a cash price listed outside, go inside and ask about it before you fill up. Paying with cash could save you 5 to 10 cents per gallon on average,3 which could keep a dollar or more in your pocket each time you fill up.
4. Join rewards programs
Some gas stations have loyalty programs that could offer lower prices. Check local stations' websites to see if they have a program. Similarly, you could save by using a rewards credit card. Some can give you up to 3% cash back for gas station charges. You may also be able to score a deal if you fill up at a warehouse club station.
5. Aim to buy on Mondays
Gas prices can vary throughout the week, but according to tracking service GasBuddy, they tend to be lowest on Mondays.4 Avoid filling up on Thursdays, the most expensive day for gas in most states.
6. Ditch the junk in your trunk
Every extra pound that your engine has to move requires more fuel. So don't drive around with unnecessary cargo. Every 100 pounds lowers fuel efficiency by about 1%.5
7. Keep your tires inflated
Here, inflation is a good thing. Your gas mileage can improve by 0.6% on average, but up to 3%, with properly inflated tires. Your fuel efficiency falls by roughly 0.2% for every 1-pound per square inch (psi) drop. Bonus: Well-inflated tires tend to last longer, saving you even more.6
8. Drive the speed limit
This is always the right thing to do. But here's another reason to slow down: Most cars' fuel efficiency plummets at 50 mph. In fact, every 5 mph over 50 mph is like paying an extra 22 cents per gallon.7 So drive slower—and save.
9. Pick the most fuel-efficient route
The fastest way may not use the least gas. Before you leave home, plan a route that avoids traffic. Frequent stops and starts and idling can lower your fuel efficiency by 10% to 40%.8 Plus, who wants to sit in traffic anyway?
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10. Get feedback from your car
Many cars show fuel efficiency in real time. This can remind you of how your driving behaviors affect your gas usage, improving efficiency by 3%, on average, and as much as 10%.9 If your car doesn't have this feature, you can install a third-party device.
Ukraine’s drone strikes on Russian refineries, a switch to pricier summer blends of gasoline and increased demand from consumers are driving gas prices to their highest level this year. Prices bottomed around $3.06 on Jan. 14, according to AAA, and now hover around $3.48 per gallon for regular unleaded. In some states, including California, Hawaii, Nevada, Oregon and Washington, prices at the pump are well over $4 per gallon.
“Gasoline prices tend to bottom out in December, January and February and start going up as refineries start switching over to summer blends of gasoline, which are more complicated to refine and more complicated to distribute,” says Robert Sinclair, a spokesman for AAA Northeast. “Drone strikes on Russian refineries and the continuing war in Ukraine” are also contributing to the rise in prices.
During the winter months, consumers drive less, but when the weather warms up, they hit the road more, which also drives prices higher.
Any gas price increase is bad news for consumers, but combined with elevated food prices, the strain will likely weigh on household budgets. “Consumers don’t have elasticity in their budgets,” Sinclair says.
For many older adults, gas is a necessity that can’t be switched off like dining out or spending on entertainment. The good news: You can reduce the amount you spend getting your car from point A to point B.
When it comes to saving at the pump, the factor that has the biggest impact tends to be the hardest to change — your driving habits. “American consumers have more power than they realize,” says Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy. “If you look at the pandemic, people stopped driving, and prices plummeted.”
Driving less, running errands when you commute, and planning your outings to be more efficient can go a long way toward curbing your gas outlays. But it’s not just how many trips you make with your vehicle in a given day or week, it’s also how you drive your car. Racing to red lights, braking hard and speeding can use more fuel than taking it slow. Reducing the amount of time you warm up your car can also be an effective way to save money on gas.
Keep your vehicle up to date on its maintenance schedule, and ensure your tire pressure is at the proper level. According to Sinclair, you lose fuel economy when your tires are underinflated. And though you may think you are doing right by your vehicle by using premium, it’s often a waste of money. The majority of vehicles run fine on regular gasoline, Sinclair says. “Many people think they are giving their car a treat by giving it premium, but the vehicle neither understands nor appreciates it.”
Just like you shop for appliances, you should look around for the best deal on gas. Prices can vary from one station to the next, and location tends to matter a lot. If a gas station is on a highway, you’ll likely pay more there than at your local fueling station. Warehouse retailers, including Costco and BJ’s, offer reduced fuel prices at the pump to members. There are several gas comparison apps you can download to find a bargain on fuel. “Many of these apps show the prices of gasoline near where you are,” Sinclair says. However, he warns that if you wind up driving a lot more to save a few pennies, you can defeat the purpose of the apps.
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