If you have a vehicle, then chances are your bank account might be hurting a bit with the current gas prices. With the current situation in the world causing supply and demand problems, the gas hikes might be here for a little while. There are some things you can do to help cut back on the fuel used though, which can help you save money and stress a little less about going to the gas station. These ten tips are just scratching the surface, so make sure you find the options for your personal needs.
1. Stay Home
One of the best ways to save money on gasoline is one of the most obvious. However, it is also one of the most hated options. If you’re looking to cut back on expenses, stay home. Yes, the weather is warming up and pandemic restrictions are loosening up finally, so everyone wants to be out and about. Now might not be the best time to do it, especially if you work outside of the home. If you do go out, consider alternative modes of transit, like cycling or taking the bus. This should cut back on spending as you won’t need to fuel up as often. You might also talk to your workplace to see if you can work from home temporarily or work from home a few days a week.
2. Utilize Apps
Luckily, we live in a world where there are always apps to bring some convenience to our lives. There are so many apps out there that can help you find the gas station that will offer you the best possible deal on fuel. This can save you time and money because you won’t waste time looking for prices in your area. There are also many ways you can use apps to find coupons or rewards on the gas you purchase. This can take off a portion of the bill to make the price hikes a little less burdensome. Before you download apps, you should always check out reviews first, because you don’t want your phone to get a virus due to malicious apps.
3. Use Your Credit Card
Paying with a credit card at the pump can be a great way to help offset some of the costs. To begin with, a lot of companies will actually give you some rewards for paying with your credit card. You might check your specific card to see what you are offered, as you may have to pump at a specific station. Other than that, you will find that credit cards offer more protection than your debit card might. For instance, if your card is scammed at the pump, then you’re going to have better luck getting refunded for the scam than you would with a debit card. Using a credit card strictly for gas can actually help you build credit too as it will offer you the ability to pay on the card monthly to help lift your score without adding much to your debt. This is only scratching the surface of how a credit card can help you save at the pump, but it is crucial to know about your card before you choose to do this.
4. Sign Up For Rewards
If you are looking for more rewards, then you’re in luck. A lot of stores offer rewards of their own, which can help with your gas bill. To begin with, some grocery stores will offer reward points which can then be used for discounts on gas. Some gas stations will offer discount cards for members or allow for a point system to also offer a discount on gas. There are also wholesale stores like Costco, Sam’s Club, and Walmart that can help you get the discounts you need just for being a member of their program. You might be surprised by how many rewards you can get, especially if you learn to stack the rewards on top of each other to maximize your profit
5. Purchase from Clubs
As mentioned, wholesale clubs often offer gas discounts to their members. Often stores like Walmart, Sam’s Club, and Costco will have a gas station outside of their story. With Costco and Sam’s Club, you must have a membership to access the pump, but Walmart Plus members can simply scan their membership code to get a discount. Chances are, if you see a gas station connected to a grocery store then they will probably also offer a discount through their reward program.
6. Fill Up Early in the Week
Another great way to save on some money during the price hikes is to fill up during the beginning of the week. Many gas stations and apps will tell you the best time to purchase gas in most states is Sunday or Monday and one of the worst times to fill up is around Thursday. Of course, you should do research for your specific area to ensure this is factual for your area. You also shouldn’t fill up as soon as the gas station receives new fuel. Overall, research is the best way to figure out when you should be filling up. You should also keep up to date on what is going on as far as supply and demand, as this can help you stay on top of things.
7. Don’t Idle
Many people spend a lot of time idling in their vehicles. However, this can be one of the worst things to do if you’re trying to conserve gas. Instead of idling, simply turn off your vehicle and restart the vehicle when you are ready to go again. This isn’t always an option, but if you find yourself stuck in a long drive-thru line then turn off the car until the line gets moving again. You also shouldn’t leave your car out to warm up either. Instead, let the car’s engine warm up naturally by driving. This will help to cut down on the gas used, so you can fill up less.
8. Slow Down
If you happen to have a lead foot, then you’re not doing yourself any favors when it comes to your gas mileage. The more you speed, the more gas you’re going to burn off, which can cause a major problem for your gas bill. When you drive, you should keep it to the speed limit, which should be the ideal speed to keep your gas mileage down. If you struggle to keep speed, then cruise control is a great option to prevent you from going too fast. Doing this will ensure you are optimizing your gasoline, which will also keep your budget in check.
9. Roll Down the Window
With spring practically here, warmer temperatures will also be arriving. This might tempt you to crank up the air conditioner in your vehicle to ensure you are comfortable. However, this can really eat up a lot of fuel which can be a problem if you’re on a tight budget. One of the best ways to combat the warmth is to roll down the windows in the car. This is a great way to cool down the vehicle when you’re having to stop and go while in town. If you’re on the freeway, you can still crack a window to utilize the breeze to cool yourself down.
10. Take Fuel Efficient Route
One problem that many people face is finding fuel efficient routes while driving. Generally, when you put your information into a GPS, you are more likely to find the fastest route to get somewhere. However, with a few clicks, you can change your settings to give you the most fuel-efficient route. This is great for allowing you to save on gas mileage. It might not be great for the time, but when it comes to the current prices this might be a sacrifice you have to make.
There is no telling how long the gas hikes will be in play, so planning ahead to keep your budget in check is incredibly important. These ten tips can help you to cut back on the gas you do use while getting more for your money when you do need to fill up.
