How to Save Money on Gas

Saving Money on Fuel

Over time, gas prices will continue to fluctuate due to circumstances outside of your control. No matter what your personal feelings are about the increasing gas prices and why or how they are changing, ultimately it doesn’t matter unless you purchase a vehicle that doesn’t need it. The price of gas is the price of gas, and you will either pay it so you can get gas, or you don’t. The best thing you can do is just to focus on what you can control when it comes to filling up your gas tank and learn how to save money on gas.

I have lived most of my life on an extremely limited budget to get and stay out of debt (while still traveling and taking care of my pets), and have extensive experience knowing how to save money on gas. Even with fluctuating gas prices, I have no intention of changing the number of travel plans we have this year due to the current gas situation. So, if you are looking for ways to minimize the effect of higher gas prices on your wallet, here are my best tips on the three main ways that you can save money at the pump.

How to Use Less Gas

The most obvious way to limit the amount of gas you use is to limit the time that you are on the road. You are probably rolling your eyes and saying of course driving less would help. You might not even realize how much fuel you can save with just a few of these small changes.

Consolidate your stops.

As drivers, many of us have developed the convenient habit of hopping in our cars whenever we need something. You can cut down quite a bit of time spent on the road by simply taking the time to plan ahead and consolidate your stops.

Try to think about all the errands you will have to run over the next week or two and where they are located. Simply group all your errands that are in the same area of town and get them done at the same time. This includes stopping at the places you will pass on the way to or from an appointment and your workplace.

Carpool

See if you can rideshare when you go to work, run errands, or even on vacation. You can save quite a bit of money by splitting gas amongst your passengers and running errands with friends can make the mundane tasks more fun.  This is especially useful if you are planning trips home or to visit friends in college.

When I was in college, I would give rides to people who were traveling in the same direction as I was heading home or even to other college campuses. I simply made a few extra stops on the way to my destination and by the end of it, I barely spent any money on filling up my tank. This also works great if you find others that may be traveling in the same direction on vacation for spring break or other holidays.

Use other forms of transportation

Start looking into public transportation like buses or trains. It may also be worth investing in a bike, rollerblades, or a skateboard. Many cities are adding more bike lanes to make commuting this way safer for those that choose not to drive.  You can also choose to start walking more to your destinations.

Depending on where you live, it could make a huge difference in how much gas you use. Just think how much you would save if you committed to not driving your vehicle to any place that is less than one mile away. Take the time to think about where you could switch out driving your car for one of these other options when you go work, run errands, or hang out with friends.

How to Save on Gas Prices

There are a ton of ways you can save a few cents here and there when you fill up at the pump and over time, it can add up to quite a bit of savings.

Point Programs

Numerous stores like gas stations and grocery stores will offer discounts at the pump when you purchase items at their store. Shop around for the best deal at the stores where you spend the most money.

Take note of any cash-back programs that your credit cards may have as another way to save at the pump in the long run. Remember that it only helps if you are able to pay off what you spent each month. It is rarely worth opening a new line of credit for these programs.

Use apps to find cheaper gas.

There are several apps that will show you the prices of surrounding gas stations like Gas Buddy, Waze, or even Google Maps. Factor this into when you are running your errands so you can fill up at the cheapest price. This is also helpful when you are planning a road trip and are looking for better gas prices.

Fill up a backup gas can when you find a good deal.

This does NOT mean hoarding the gas!!!!  If you are struggling with your budget and living paycheck to paycheck, this can help get you through a few days when you are low on funds. If you need gas when the prices have suddenly spiked even more (like on a holiday weekend), this tip can help tide you over until the prices go back down a bit, so you don’t have to choose between food for your family and gas to get to work.

How to Use Less Fuel When Driving

The last main category that will help you save money on gas will cover how you can use less fuel when you are driving. Aside from trading in your vehicle for a more gas-friendly model, there are a few things that will help.

Get a tune-up

Your car functions more efficiently when everything is running at its best. Make sure your tires are properly inflated and rotated and your car fluids are clean and topped off. This will help make sure your car runs at its most optimal level.

Use the eco feature on new cars

Newer vehicles have an “eco or econ feature” available that you can activate. Simply put, on most vehicles, this feature adjusts aspects of your car like its throttle or transmission response or a/c to lower the amount of effort that your engine needs to put out.

Don’t let your car idle

Even if your car is sitting in park; if your engine is running, you are burning gas. Avoid leaving your car running when you are parked to cut down on how much gas you use.

Watch your acceleration

The quicker you accelerate, the more fuel you end up using. Avoid flooring it unless there is an emergency that requires you to get out of the way quickly.

How to Save Money on Gas When Traveling

You can still go on vacation even if the gas prices have gone up by making some adjustments to your travel plans. Depending on how much wiggle room you have in your budget, there are several ways you can save money on gas during your trips.

Curious about other ways you can save money when traveling? Check out our Low Budget Travel Tips post!

Travel local

It may be hard to believe, but there are some pretty cool things to do where you live. Visit a nearby state, city, or national park. Explore the museums and other tourist attractions that are within a few hours’ drive. Go see unique, hole-in-the-wall type places and you will be surprised as to how much fun you can have.

Flying versus Driving

Take a moment and compare the price of a plane ticket to the estimated cost of gas you would have to use for the trip. Depending on how many people you will have traveling, it MIGHT be cheaper to fly if you can get a good deal on the plane tickets.

Don’t forget to factor in the cost of renting a vehicle if you will need one on your trip. I have found that if gas prices are high, and I’m traveling alone and won’t need a vehicle, taking a plane can be cheaper- even with normal gas prices.

How to Save Money on Gas on a Road Trip

If it still makes sense for you to take a road trip for vacation, here are some tips specifically to help you save money during your adventures.

Pick a Gas-friendly Destination.

 Avoid traveling to places that have notoriously higher gas prices if you are driving. This means cities like New York, or even most of California. The landscape and weather will also affect your gas mileage. If you are driving in the mountains or in high winds, your vehicle will run through gas quicker because it will be driving against more resistance.

Make travel part of the experience.

Get the maximum use of your travel time and gas tank by including fun and memorable stops along the way to your destination. Personally, I love stopping at corny roadside attractions! If your trip involves several stops, plan your road trip so it avoids driving back and forth. You can book your campsites or hotels depending on where you will be instead of using one place as a home base and driving back and forth each day.  

I plan our trips in a large circle so as we see the sights, we save gas and time by staying where it makes the most sense as we explore the area because we aren’t having to drive back and forth to the same spot every night.

Take a group vacation.

Split the gas bill (and other expenses) with a few friends. This is one of the tips we give about traveling on a budget because it can save a ton of money!

Plan your gas stops ahead of time.

Use the apps mentioned above to plan the best and cheapest spots for you to get gas. You’ll be surprised at the price difference between different states and cities. We recently discovered that filling up in Maryland was almost 30 cents cheaper than in Pennsylvania.

Carry a full gas can.

One of the things recommended in our Road Trip Car Checklist is to bring a gas can with you. Not only will it help prevent you from being stranded if you miscalculate the distance to the next gas station, but it can also help get your vehicle to a more affordable one. I wouldn’t use the fuel if the difference in price between nearby gas stations is just a few cents, but if it is 10 cents or more, it may be worth it. And don’t forget to fill it back up!

Saving money on gas

With a little extra effort, creativity, and planning, you can save money at the gas pumps and limit the added stress to your budget. Try to stay positive and think of these changes as a good thing for the environment, your health, and your budget. Hang in there and use these tips to make your gas station stops a little less painful!

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