If you’ve filled up your gas tank recently, then you already know that driving has become a LOT more expensive. Since the beginning of the war with Iran at the end of February, gas prices have already gone up by an average of $1.00 throughout March. That’s a surge of nearly 33% depending on where you live.
Setting aside how we got here, the reality is this: Gas costs more now, and that’s unlikely to change any time soon. Therefore, to keep it from swallowing every extra dollar of your family budget, you’re going to need to be more mindful of how you travel starting now.
To help with that, here are 15 clever tweaks for squeezing more miles out of every gallon and saving some money in the process.
1. Limit Your Driving Trips
It’s natural to go to the grocery store and run errands when you have the time. But in this high-cost gas environment, that might not be the most efficient way to go.
Instead of making a bunch of separate trips, try grouping them together like a well-organized heist. Optimize your stops by location and then knock them out all in one loop. Fewer trips mean less gas burned and more time back in your day.
2. Skip Premium Gas If It’s Not Necessary
Premium gas may sound fancy, but it might be doing absolutely nothing for your vehicle’s engine. Unless it’s specifically required, skip the higher octane.
You can find out for sure by checking the owner’s manual. For most mid-grade vehicles, regular gas works just fine.
3. Take It Easy on the Pedal
Being a “lead foot” isn’t doing your budget any favors. Every time you accelerate, it pumps more gas into the engine and burns more fuel.
Rather than being in a hurry, practice driving as smoothly as possible – like you’ve got a cup of coffee in your lap that you don’t want to spill. This will help keep your fuel costs down and may also improve your mileage.
4. Coast When Possible
Speaking of taking it easy on the pedal, try not touching it at all if you don’t have to! Your vehicle is heavy, and often its momentum will take you further than you think.
For example, when you see a red light ahead, ease off the gas and let your car glide before finally breaking to a stop. It’s calmer, more efficient, and will use less fuel.
5. Keep Your Tires Inflated
The air pressure of your tires is not something you might think about very often. But the lower they get, the less helpful they’ll be on your engine.
Underinflated tires create more resistance, which forces your car to work harder and use more gas. A quick monthly tire check can help you get better mileage and avoid premature tire wear. Most modern vehicles even have an indicator on the dashboard that will automatically tell you the PSI of each tire.
6. Swap Out Your Air Filter
Your engine needs clean air for optimal performance. A dirty or clogged air filter makes your engine less efficient, which means more fuel gets used.
Swapping out an air filter is usually very cheap and simple. You can often pick one up for less than $20, and replacing it usually requires nothing more than a screwdriver.
7. Lose the Junk in the Trunk
What’s in your trunk right now? Old gym bags? Random boxes? A collection of “just in case” items?
All that extra weight forces your car to burn more fuel. If you’d like to give your gas tank a break, then lighten the load by cleaning out your trunk and only keeping what you truly need.
8. Don’t Run the AC (When You Can Avoid It)
When it’s hot outside, air conditioning can be great. But it’s also slowly sipping on your gas.
On cooler days, try turning off the AC and enjoying some fresh air. You don’t have to suffer in the heat, but using AC a little less can help stretch your fuel further.
9. But Also Don’t Roll Down the Windows
Okay, I know we just said to roll down the windows. But keep in mind that this can also create drag on your vehicle because it will be less aerodynamic.
For this reason, consider the situation. If you’re going on the expressway, then maybe keeping the windows up and using minimal AC will be the better option.
10. Join a Membership Program
If you’re not part of some type of gas rewards program, then you might be leaving money on the table.
For example, Costco members generally save anywhere from 5 to 40 cents per gallon. If you prefer a free option, many grocery stores and gas stations have loyalty programs where you may save between 3 and 5 cents per gallon. Though that might not sound like a lot of money, it adds up fast when you spread that savings over the course of a month.
11. Get Credit Card Rewards
Another way to save at the pump is to get something in return every time you pay for it.
There are dozens of credit cards with reward programs that give you anywhere from 1 to 10 cents for every dollar you spend on gas purchases. As long as you pay off your balance each month, this is basically a no-effort way to get a rebate on your gas expenses.
12. Pay Cash at the Gas Station
Not one for credit cards? Prefer to pay for things with cash instead? If so, your old school habit might also be a money saver.
Many gas stations are glad to offer patrons a lower price per gallon if they pay in cash. Why? Because like all merchants, gas stations have to pay the credit card companies a small percentage for every transaction they facilitate. Therefore, they’re happy to share the savings with you if you can help them avoid those credit card charges.
13. Walk or Bike to Your Destination
Do you live relatively close to where you need to go? If so, then skipping the car altogether to walk or bike to your destination might be the way to go. Not only will you use no gas, but you’ll also get some great exercise.
14. Utilize Public Transportation
Public transportation might not always be glamorous, but it can be a budget hero.
Buses and trains often cost far less than driving when you factor in gas, parking, and wear on your car. If it fits your route, it’s worth considering.
15. Drive a Different Vehicle
This tip might be a hard one to swallow. But if your vehicle is a gas guzzler, then it may be time to consider breaking up.
Smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicles can dramatically cut your gas costs. Look into options that get high MPG ratings and fit into your budget.
Final Thoughts
Saving money on gas isn’t about one grand gesture; it’s more like building a collection of smart little habits. The trick is to be aware of how increased gas prices are impacting your budget and consciously make changes. Remember: You can’t change the price of gas, but you can influence how you use your vehicle and how often you have to fill up.
Featured image credit: Pexels
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