Cut Down on Driving
If you take your kids to school, consider joining or creating a carpool. It doesn’t just help you save money on gas, it helps you save loads of time as well. And, when you can, let them take the bus.
When running errands, map out your shortest route (using a GPS tool or app can help you figure that out). Put off buying things that you don’t need immediately, and plan certain stops for when you’re out in that direction anyway. Don’t just run out to get something you need when the urge strikes.
There are also so many ways to get the things you need online these days instead of driving… from work and school to having your groceries delivered. Just a few you may not already be taking advantage of:
- Amazon Prime for toiletries, pantry staples
- Your Local Grocery store likely delivers on orders of $100 or more
Make Your Car Fuel-Efficient
Slow down and don’t brake as much. Accelerate slowly, and coast when you can. We’ve all heard that slow and steady saves gas. Just slow down, and avoid driving like a crazy person.
Proper car care and maintenance will help your car’s engine run more smoothly, which means it will also be more fuel-efficient. Make sure you get regular tune-ups, oil-changes, and replace filters on a regular basis.
Buy “cool” gas. Early in the morning, late in the day, when temps are cooler gas is less dense. When it’s warmer, gas is less dense and you get less of it at the pump.
Don’t carry the entire contents of your home in the car. The heavier your car is, the more fuel it requires. Lighten your load to save on gas! For those in cold-weather climates, this also includes making sure your car is free of ice and snow… which can weigh a lot when you’re driving it around.
Don’t use your four-wheel-drive if you don’t have to.
Find the Best Gas Prices
Avoid gas stations near interstates and major highways. People will pay for the convenience of not having to seek out another station that may only be a mile down the road. There is an exception; if you live close to a state line it may be worth your time and money to drive if you save significantly on gas.
If your car doesn’t require premium gas, don’t splurge on it.
Time your purchase. Gas prices usually rise just before the weekend, knowing that people typically like to head out of town for a little fun. Wednesday is a good day to head to the pump.
Use an app that tells you the price per gallon of gas at stations in a certain geographic area. The
GasBuddy app is the most popular, likely because it’s free and effective.
Fuel up using discounted gift cards you find on third-party sites like cardpool.com
Check to see if your gas station has a fuel rewards program. Some supermakets even have a fuel rewards program that allows you to save a certain amount on gas when you purchase groceries.
POLL: HOW MUCH IS GAS IN YOUR AREA RIGHT NOW?
Post your answer in the comments… your city, state, and price!
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