There are ways to save money at the gas station
If you drive, then you are probably experiencing some pain at the pump. Gas prices have skyrocketed in recent months and filling up has gotten considerably more expensive. Short of trading in your car for something more fuel efficient, is there anything you can do to save some money with your current vehicle? Here are a few ideas.
Keep up on Maintenance
Keeping up on routine maintenance can help your fuel economy. Simple things like changing your oil routinely, making sure your air filter is clean, and checking your tire pressure often, are all some simple ways to increase your MPG.
Switching to full synthetic oil might help your fuel economy, since synthetics tend to help reduce friction. Other aftermarket solutions like a reusable air filter may also help your vehicle’s efficiency.
Declutter Your Car
If your car is filled with clutter, then clean it out. You might be hauling around an extra 20 to 50 pounds of belongings. More weight means less efficiency. Make it a point to keep your car clean and free of clutter.
Slow Down
Driving the speed limit, not doing hard starts or stops, and not driving aggressively will do wonders to keep your fuel usage lower. Not only that, but it will stress the components of your car less, which in turn will decrease wear and tear. It’s also much safer.
Plan Your Trips
Combining errands can help unnecessary trips in your car. If you must go to the grocery store, then maybe it would also be a good time to go to the hardware store, the post office, and the bank. Some simple preplanning can eliminate the need to make multiple trips in your car. Less driving means less fuel usage.
Fuel Apps, Rewards, and Cash Back
There are several apps out there that can help you save at the pump. Gas Buddy is a common one. You can search by fuel type and distance to find the cheapest gas prices. Just beware that other users update the information, so it may not always be accurate.
You might be able to earn credit towards fuel from your grocery store. If it makes financial sense to take advantage of these programs, then you can save considerable money at the pump.
Many credit cards offer cash back, and many are geared towards gasoline purchases. You can find a card that’s right for you and reap some savings.
Final Thoughts
You are probably experiencing some pain at the pump if you are driving right now. What proceeds are all some ways to help you save some money on fuel. While one of them alone will add up to much, combining several of them will probably make enough of a difference for you to notice. Filling up is painful right now. Use a few of the above ideas or some of your own to take away some of the sting.
Read Also:
The Importance of an Emergency Fund
Restoring Furniture Can Save You Money
What to Do If You Inherit an Estate
Costco Gas Station Hacks: How to Save Money and Get More Mileage
Writer and Investor. Based in the Pittsburgh, PA area, Brian holds full-time employment as a Warehouse Manager for an electronics firm. Brian enjoys wealth building, investing, gardening and the great outdoors. Brian holds a B.A. in Environmental Studies from the University of Pittsburgh and an MBA from Robert Morris University.