After rising for several weeks, gas prices are beginning to level off. But they remain at historic highs and experts predict they won’t start coming down in any meaningful way until late this fall. You probably can’t stop driving until then, so you’ll want to find ways to save money when you fill your tank and do so less frequently. Let’s see how to save money on gas.
Research the Cheapest Gas Near You
There are several apps and websites that allow you to compare gas prices in your area by entering your zip code. One of the most popular is Gas Buddy, which also offers several additional ways to save money on gas. The key here is to find a place to fill up that’s on your regular route. Traveling several additional miles to save a few cents a gallon negates the point of what you’re trying to do.
Try a Dedicated Gas Card
If you’ve never had a credit card just for gas purchases before, now might be the time to take the plunge. You’ll generally receive a discount on every gallon, plus enjoy additional perks. And it will make it easy to keep track and see exactly what you’re spending on gas each month. But to make a gas card work for you, there’s a few things you should do. Use the card only for gas and pay off the balance every month. If you start carrying a balance month-to-month, you wipe out any potential savings and end up paying more because of interest.
Don’t Fill Up on the Weekends
A recent price analysis revealed that it tends to be cheaper to fill up your tank on Mondays and Tuesdays. Perhaps not surprisingly, gas prices tend to be higher on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. If your weekend errands typically include a stop at the gas station, change things up and wait for the beginning of the week instead.
Check the Pressure
Keeping your tires properly inflated not only gives you a smoother ride, but it also helps you get better gas mileage, too. Plus, maintaining proper tire pressure makes driving on slick roads safer, so it’s a win all around. Most Discount Tire locations will check and top off your air for free — even if you’ve never made a purchase from them. If you’d rather, do it yourself, follow this guide for how to check your tire pressure.
Lighten Your Load
The lighter your vehicle is, the better gas mileage you’ll get. Now is not the time to use your car’s trunk as an overflow storage facility. Clear out any excess junk you’ve been carrying around to keep your vehicle as light as possible and increase your gas mileage. And don’t forget to remove bike racks or ski racks when you’re not using them.