Gas prices might dip from time to time, but they never reach a level that the average consumer would call “affordable.” To make matters worse, the average price of gasoline continues to rise every year. If you can barely afford gas today, then just imagine how much of a pinch you will feel at the pump several years from now. It’s time to start thinking differently about the way you use and pay for gasoline. These five ways to save money when filling your tank will help you make gas more affordable.
1) Find the Cheapest Gas Near You
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Several websites and mobile phone apps can help you identify the best deals near you. Instead of buying gas on a whim, spend some time researching the stations in areas of town that you normally visit. You might find that one of them consistently has lower prices. Even a few cents per gallon can help you save big sums of money in the long run.
If you are traveling, use mobile apps to find the cheapest prices along your route. Your GPS system might also have this feature. If it does, use it!
2) Keep Your Car in Good Shape
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You can do several things to make your car more efficient. Spending a bit of money on maintenance can really help you save big bucks by burning less fuel. Consider the following maintenance tips:
- Keep your tires properly inflated.
- Change your oil regularly (every 5000 miles for most synthetic oils).
- Have a mechanic check under the hood at least once a year to spot mechanical problems.
- Replace your air filter when you change the oil.
3) Change the Way You Drive
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Speeding burns a lot of gas. Then again, coasting along well under the speed limit could also make your car less efficient. Most cars perform at peak efficiency at speeds close to 55 miles per hour. Driving on the expressway at speeds exceptionally higher or lower than this will cost you more money.
4) Make Your Car More Aerodynamic
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Engineers have spent years making cars more aerodynamic. That also makes them more fuel-efficient. Don’t waste all of that work by driving at high speeds with your windows rolled down or leaving a bike rack on top of your car when you’re not using it. The more aerodynamic and lightweight you can make your car, the less fuel you will burn.
5) Join a Rewards Program
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You can save money on gas without changing anything about the way you drive. Join a rewards program through your fueling station or credit card company. It could help you save 5% or more on your gasoline purchases.
There are only so many things that you can do to save money on gas. If you still need to save more money, then you could always save money on car insurance by exploring providers. What ways have you used to save money on car-related expenses?
