Saving money on gas can be a challenge, but it’s not impossible. In this article, we’ll discuss 15 simple ways to save on gas money (while spending money), as well as some additional tips that can help you reduce your fuel expenses. So, if you’re looking for ways to stretch your budget, read on!

Saving Money 

With the price of everything seemingly on the rise, more and more people are looking for ways to save money. As gas prices skyrocket, saving money on gas is a top priority for many drivers.

How to Save on Gas Money at the Pump 

You may feel like there are no options when it comes to cutting your fuel costs. The price is set by the powers to be and there isn’t much to be done about it, right? Well, you may not be able to do much about the price of gas, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t ways to cut costs at the pump!

Use Apps to Find the Cheapest Gas 

There are a few apps that can help you find the cheapest gas prices in your area. GasBuddy is one of the most popular options and it’s available for both iOS and Android devices. The app uses your location to find the gas stations near you and then displays the prices for each one. You can also see reviews from other users, which can be helpful in deciding where to stop.

Another option is the Gas Guru app, which is available for iOS and Android devices as well. This app also uses your location to find nearby gas stations and displays their prices. However, Gas Guru also displays the prices of each type of fuel (regular, mid-grade, premium, etc.), which can be helpful if you’re trying to decide between a few stations.

Skip the Premium Option

If you’re shopping for gas, it’s easy to get caught up in the idea that paying a little more will result in higher quality fuel. However, premium fuel is only needed by a small number of cars – typically high-performance vehicles or luxury cars with larger engines. Most cars don’t require this type of fuel and therefore you’ll be spending extra money for no to little benefits.

Join a Fuel Rewards Program

Many gas stations offer loyalty or rewards programs that can help you save money on gas. For example, Shell’s Fuel Rewards program gives members a discount of $0.05 per gallon for every $100 spent at the pump. Similarly, ExxonMobil’s Speedpass+ app offers a discount of $0.03 per gallon for every $30 spent. These discounts can add up quickly, so if you frequently visit the same gas station, it’s worth signing up for their rewards program.

Use a Rewards Credit Card

If you don’t already have one, consider signing up for a rewards credit card. These cards give you points for every dollar spent, which can then be redeemed for cash back or other benefits. Many of these cards also offer bonuses on gas purchases (e.g., 3x points at gas stations), which can help you save even more money.

Some popular rewards credit cards include the Chase Freedom® Card, Capital One® VentureOne® Rewards Credit Card, and the Discover it® Cash Back card. Just be sure to pay off your balance in full each month to avoid interest charges.

Use Free or Discounted Gift Cards

If you shop online or pay for gas with a credit card, consider buying discounted gift cards. Sites like GiftCardGranny.com, Raise.com, and Cardpool offer discounts of up to 30% on gift cards from retailers like Walmart and Target. And if you’re shopping online, sites like Kroger and Amazon offer fuel points that can be redeemed for discounts at participating gas stations.

Fill Up Early in the Week

Gas prices tend to fluctuate throughout the week, so if you can, fill up your tank early in the week when prices are typically lower. By waiting until later in the week or weekend, you could end up paying 10-15 cents more per gallon.

Take Note of the Cash-Only Prices 

Some gas stations offer a discount for customers who pay cash, so it’s always worth checking the price of gas if you have cash on hand. These discounts are typically small (e.g., $0.02 per gallon), but they can add up over time.

How to Save Money on Gas with Better Driving Habits 

Beyond savings at the pump or while you spend money with awesome programs, there are many ways to save gas by changing your driving habits. Here are a few tips to help you save money on gas and reduce your environmental impact:

Consider Sharing Rides

In efforts to save money on gas and reduce their carbon footprint, many people choose to carpool or use ride-sharing options. Whether it’s teaming up with coworkers to take turns driving to and from the office or using a ride-sharing service like Uber or Lyft, there are many ways that you can save money on gas by sharing rides.

Plan Your Routes Well

Taking inefficient routes can waste a lot of gas, so when planning your driving route, be sure to map out not only the quickest route but one that requires fewer stops. In addition to saving gas, this is also a great way to avoid traffic and get where you’re going as soon as possible.

Reduce Your Idle Time

Leaving your car running when waiting for someone, at a drive-thru, or idling in traffic is both wasteful and bad for the environment. Whether you are waiting for a coffee order or warming up your car, try to avoid idling for more time than necessary.

Accelerate Slowly and Coast More

Harsh acceleration and braking waste gas, so try to accelerate slowly, easing off the brakes and coast more when possible. While it may be tempting to take off as soon as the light turns green, try to accelerate slowly over a period of 5-7 seconds. You may not beat the car beside you, but you will be doing your gas tank, and wallet a favor.

Use Cruise Control Sparingly 

While cruise control can help you save gas on the highway, it’s not always the most efficient way to drive. If you’re driving in stop-and-go traffic or on hilly roads, it’s best to turn off your cruise control to avoid wasting gas.

Reduce the Use of Your Heater and Air Conditioning

Your car’s heater and air conditioner use a lot of gas, so it’s best to only use them when necessary. To help save on gas money, wear appropriate clothing when possible to reduce the need for your heater. Likewise, use your air conditioner sparingly on hot days and open the windows to enjoy a light breeze.

Slow Down

If you are looking to reduce the amount of money you are spending at the pump, try driving at a more reasonable speed can make a difference. Giving yourself plenty of time to reach your destination will help you avoid speeding and significantly reduce the amount of gas you use.

Park in the Right Spot 

Finding an ideal parking spot may not seem like a way to save money on gas, however, if you live in a dense urban area, cruising around endlessly looking for the perfect spot may end up costing you more than you think. If you are going to be parked for a significant amount of time, look for a spot that is close to public transportation or your final destination to avoid wasting gas driving around unnecessarily.

How to Save Gas Money by Making Sure Your Car is in Good Condition 

The condition of your car can have a significant impact on your overall fuel consumption. Here are a few tips for keeping your car in tip-top shape and saving money on gas:

Check Tire Pressure

Maintaining proper tire pressure is important for many reasons, but did you know that it can also help you save money on gas? When your tires are inflated properly, they have less rolling resistance, which can make your car more efficient and save you money on gas.

Check Your Gas Cap

A loose or damaged gas cap can cause your car to lose fuel, which means you’ll have to fill up your tank more often. Be sure to check your gas cap regularly, ensure it is properly tightened after filling up, and replace it if necessary to avoid wasting money on gas.

Lighten Your Car’s

Carrying around unnecessary weight in your car can waste fuel, so try to travel light whenever possible. If you have any items in your trunk or back seat that you don’t need, remove them to help improve your car’s fuel efficiency.

Remove Racks

If you have a roof rack or bike carrier that you only use occasionally, be sure to remove it when you’re not using it. The aerodynamic drag created by these items can waste fuel, so it’s best to take them off when they’re not needed. If you want to make sure they are available when necessary, having them stored in the trunk will help reduce drag and save you money on gas.

Ensure You Use the Right Oil During Oil Changes

Your car’s engine oil plays a crucial role in its operation, so it’s important to use the right type of oil. Be sure to consult your owner’s manual to find out what type of oil is best for your car and follow the recommended interval for changing your oil.

Speak with your mechanic regarding the best oil for your make and model, as well as how often you should be changing your oil to get the best performance and fuel economy out of your car.

Invest in a More Efficient Car

Not all vehicles are created equal when it comes to fuel efficiency. If you are looking for ways to save money on gas, consider researching more efficient options that can help you cut down on fuel costs. There are many hybrid and electric cars available today, which can help you achieve significant savings at the pump over time.

If heading out on a road trip, or commuting a significant distance to work every day, it may be worth the investment to consider upgrading to a more fuel-efficient vehicle. Whether you have the money upfront to buy a new car or are looking for ways to finance it, there are many options available that can help you save money on gas in the long run.

How Gas Prices are Determined 

Have you ever wondered how the price of gas is determined? While it may seem like a complicated process, there are actually a few key factors that go into setting the price of gasoline.

The first factor is the cost of crude oil, which is the main ingredient in gasoline. The price of crude oil is set on the global market and is influenced by a variety of factors, such as supply and demand, geopolitical events, and weather.

Another factor that affects gas prices is the cost to refine the crude oil into usable products, like gasoline. The refining process can be quite costly, which means that any increases in costs or disruptions in production at refineries have a direct impact on gas prices.

The final factor that determines gas prices is taxes. Governments levy taxes on gasoline to generate revenue and help pay for things like road maintenance and construction. The amount of tax varies from country to country, but it typically ranges from 10 to 30 percent of the total cost of a gallon of gas.

While the price of gas is often out of our control, there are things we can do to help reduce our fuel costs and save money at the pump. Whether it’s driving more efficiently, carpooling with friends or colleagues, or switching to a more fuel-efficient vehicle, these simple steps can help us all save on gas in the long run.

Conclusion

With inflation on the rise and gas prices steadily increasing, it can be difficult to stay on budget and save money at the pump. However, there are many ways to cut down on fuel costs and stretch your hard-earned dollars a little further. By traveling light when driving, using the right oil for your car during oil changes, and investing in a more efficient vehicle, you can save money on gas and keep more cash in your pocket.

If you’re looking for ways to save money on gas, be sure to check out Budgetnista’s website for more tips and resources. Our team of financial experts can help you find ways to reduce your fuel costs and save money at the pump. Contact us today to learn more!