6 Tips to Save Money on Gas

Filling up the tank is never fun, but the recent spike in fuel prices has made it even worse. We’re all looking for ways to save at the pump, so here are some tips to help you get the most out of your fill-up.

1. Join a Fuel Rewards Program

Many fuel and convenience store chains have mobile apps and rewards programs that give users cents off of gas at each fill-up. Opting-in usually requires you to download an app, enter your phone number at the register, or activate a physical card and can help you get up to 10 cents off per gallon, depending on the program. As an added bonus, many of these apps have a store locator tool that helps you find the location with the cheapest gas near you.

2. Don’t Start Your Car Too Early

In the wintertime, you might get up early and start your car to warm it up before your drive to work, and you might do the same in the summertime to cool it down at the end of the day before your drive home. Leaving your car running wastes gas, so reducing your vehicle’s idle time is an effective way to help make the most of your tank.

3. Don’t Speed

We’re all in a hurry, but speeding will do more harm than good. Not only is it more dangerous, but driving too fast is bad for your vehicle’s fuel economy. Ease up and enjoy the savings.

4. Remove Unnecessary Weight

Get rid of the boxes and random junk in the back of your car or the heavy stuff in your truck’s toolbox. This extra weight is weighing down your car more than you think.

 5. Stop and Accelerate Gradually

This one probably seems obvious, but stopping and accelerating gradually is much safer and helps your fuel economy in town or on the highway, especially in traffic.

6. Keep Your Tires Properly Inflated

Check your vehicle’s manual to find the recommended tire pressure. Following the manufacturer’s guidelines on tire pressure can increase your car’s gas mileage by up to 3%, according to FuelEconomy.gov.