How to Save Money on Gas

There is no doubt about it. The price of gasoline is high. At these prices if the going gets tough, the tough will be walking. Hopefully drive free or starve won’t be your motto this summer. So before you find yourself carrying a will-work-for-a-ride sign while standing on the side of the highway implement some of the following suggestions on how to save money on gas.

1. Search the Internet for websites that give you the best price on gas in your area, such as Gas Watch, Gas Buddy and Automotive.
2. See what the prices are in your neighboring states, perhaps their prices are better than the ones in your state.
3. Search your neighborhood for the cheapest gas prices.
4. Try independently owned gas stations; their costs may be lower than the stations of those who lease from big oil companies.
5. Avoid gas stations near airports and highways.
6. Plan your visits to the gas station. Gas prices go up towards the end of the week and start coming down on Sunday, so plan your gas purchases for mid-week.
7. Fluid expands when hot and contracts when cold. You can get a few more ounces of fuel by getting gas in the early morning or at night when it is colder.
8. Credit card companies offer cash back on gas purchases. Discover Open Road gives 5% cash back on all gas purchases. Chase PerfectCard gives 6% cash back on gas for 6 months, 3% cash back thereafter and 1% cash back on all other lifetime purchases. For people with excellent credit American Express Blue Cash gives 5% cash back for all gas stations and supermarket purchases. Search around for a gas rebate card that fits your needs.
9. Consider getting a gas card from one of the major gas companies for similar savings.
10. Some hotels and theme parks offer vouchers on gas purchases. Consider this when booking your next vacation.
11. Avoid driving aggressively. Sudden braking and rapid acceleration increases your vehicle’s gas consumption. Drive moderately for more mileage.
12. Stick to the speed limit. Every 5 miles you drive over 60 miles an hour can equal as much as 20 cents per gallon.
13. Cool down your car with the A/C then switch to the fan.
14. Make sure to keep your windows up when you are driving with the A/C on.
15. Turn the A/C off and put your windows down instead.
16. Check your tire pressure. Under-inflated tires can affect the mileage you are getting.
17. Use a fuel injector cleaner or get the entire fuel system treated.
18. Use cruise control. It keeps the vehicle from accelerating and decelerating unnecessarily.
19. Check your gas cap. Loose or damaged gas caps can cause gas to evaporate.
20. Avoid idling. Unless warming up your car during winter months because warm cars run more efficiently.
21. Turn off your motor while idling at drive-thrus.
22. Drive your SUV in 2-wheel mode while driving under normal conditions.
23. Remove all unnecessary items from your vehicle. The more the vehicle weighs, the more gas is needed to move it. Remove roof racks and any other removable items if you are not using them at the time.
24. Use neutral to coast downhill and between traffic signals.
25. Most car don’t need high octane gas like those labeled extra, silver, supreme, etc. The octane of gas is: 87 regular, 89 midgrade and 92/93 for premium. Check your vehicle’s owner’s manual to see if you are using the octane your car really needs.
26. Get a tune up, clogged air filters, bad spark plugs and timing can cause your vehicle to run inefficiently due to misfiring.
27. Upgrade your air filter to a more efficient one.
28. Stopping and starting burn more gas. Find routes with the least amount of stops.
29. After stopping, start out slowly. Avoid speeding from a full stop.
30. Instead of driving around in circles looking for a good parking space, park in the first spot you find.
31. Consider biking, carpooling or using public transportation.
32. Park in the shade. This avoids gasoline evaporation and your car will be cooler when you return.
33. Switching to synthetic oil can help your vehicle run better and give you more mileage.
34. Avoid scams and products that promise you more mileage. Like the old saying goes; if it sounds too good to be true…
35. Find out about gas saving product performance here.

Now I want you to put down that sign, get in your car and drive like the wind. Well, maybe not like the wind, more like a gentle breeze.