10 Easy Ways to Save Money on Gas

If it feels like every trip to the gas station costs a little more lately, you’re not alone. With gas prices rising alongside other everyday expenses, finding small ways to save on fuel can make a meaningful difference over time. Here are 10 practical ways to spend less at the pump and keep more money in your pocket. 

1. Shop for the best prices

Sometimes the low fuel light surprises you, causing you to stop at the nearest station. But other times, you can plan to fuel up wisely by using tools like the AAA Gas Price Finder, which locates inexpensive gas near you, wherever you are.  

2. Use credit card perks

Many credit cards have rewards programs that offer cash back, points, or miles on certain purchases. While some offer a flat rate, like 1% or 1.5%, on all purchases, others have bonus categories that offer more rewards. Oftentimes, gas is included in those bonus categories. You could earn up to 5% or more rewards using your credit card each time you go to the pump. Check your current card to learn more about your rewards program. Or, if you’re shopping for a new card, look for one that includes gas in the bonus categories with higher rewards rates.

3. Check out gas station loyalty programs

Some gas stations and grocery stores have loyalty programs that give you discounts at the pump for buying stuff you have to buy anyway. Typically, these are completely free; all you must do is make purchases as you normally would (on groceries, gas, or convenience store items) to get a discount per gallon. In some cases, you might have to sign up for the rewards card, but it’s almost always worth it. 

4. Combine errands

Stop at the grocery store on your way home from work, or run to the post office after you drop off the kids at school. Prep meals and make lists before you go shopping to ensure you get everything you need in one trip. The fewer trips you make running errands, the less you’ll pay in gas. Those small savings add up.

5. Keep your tires inflated

Underinflated tires can actually hurt your gas mileage. In fact, for every 1 psi missing from your car’s set of tires, you lose 0.1% of your gas mileage, according to the US Department of Energy. Each psi lost also means your tires wear 10 times faster. By properly inflating your tires, you can improve your gas mileage by 3.3% or more. 

6. Get a warehouse membership

Bulk-buy stores such as Costco, Sam’s Club, and BJ’s often offer discounted gas prices to their members. While the membership isn’t free, it might be worth the investment depending on how much you drive. Calculate how much you’d save each time you fill up and how many times you’d have to fill your tank to pay for the annual membership. Or, if you’re already a member, take advantage of that extra savings. 

7. Fill up on Mondays

Historically, Mondays are often the cheapest day of the week to fill up your tank, followed by Fridays. Conversely, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays are often the costliest. 

8. Turn off your car while waiting

If you’re not actually driving your car, turn it off. Those five minutes spent idling while you pick up a friend or 15 minutes in the school pickup line can be a big gas-waster. Remember, you’re using gas even if your car is running without actually driving somewhere. 

9. Use cruise control

If you’re spending a lot of time on the highways, simply using your cruise control can save gas. How much? An average of 7% to 14%, thanks to maintaining a continuous speed. Comparatively, constantly accelerating and decelerating on the pedal can eat up gas faster. 

10. Buy regular unleaded

Unless your car specifically requires premium gas (or diesel, of course), you can use regular unleaded. Filling up with regular gas is one of the easiest ways to save money at the pump, perhaps up to $0.50 per gallon or more. Before making the change, double-check that using unleaded isn’t going to be a problem for your car. If you’re shopping for a new car, consider that vehicles requiring premium gas will add to the expense of owning and driving that car.