5 Easy Ways to Save Money at the Gas Station

The average U.S household spends $1,500 every year on gasoline – so, there’s plenty of room for savings. There’s more to it than finding a cheap gas station though, making some small changes to your driving habits will leave lots of your hard-earned cash on the table. Here are 5 easy ways to save money at the gas pump.

1. Drive Smarter

According to Edmunds.com, aggressive driving styles are the biggest culprits for using the most gas. This gas-guzzling behavior includes rapid acceleration, high cruising speed and breaking sharply rather than coasting. The study claims that those with a ‘calm’ driving style can save 33% – 38% on gas. If you want to keep track of your miles per gallon, use gas-tracking app Fuelly, to see if changing your driving style makes your car more efficient.

In addition to gentle driving, keep your tire pressure at the manufacturer’s recommended specification. This aids fuel economy and improves safety and prevention of tire wear.

2. Stop Using Premium Gas

Most of today’s cars run fine on regular or midgrade gas, so there’s often no need to pay extra for premium gasoline. According to your state’s requirements, detergents and additives are now mixed into gasoline in an attempt to reduce carbon emissions. Though some cars with high-performance engines need premium gasoline, the owner’s manual will clearly state whether premium gas is ‘required’ or just ‘recommended’.

If your car requires premium gas, you’ll need to use it to avoid engine damage. But, if not, you can use lower grades. See which ones work best for you, by judging your car’s performance and fuel economy.

3. Buy Gas for Less

The majority of gas prices have stabilized recently, but you still might notice some gas stations have different prices. Most drivers think that finding the gas station with the cheapest price will save them the most money. But, if you need to drive across town to get a nickel a gallon saving, it’s probably pointless. Instead, you can track local gas prices with GasBuddy.

Another great idea is to join a warehouse club like Costco. The difference between regular fuel stations and local warehouse clubs is around $0.45 a gallon. For a 15-gallon fill-up, that’s a $6.75 saving, and if you pay with a Costco members credit card, you will get even larger savings.

4. Buy a Fuel-Efficient Car

The next time you purchase a car choose something that is fuel-efficient. To figure out exactly how fuel efficient your next car will be, use the find and compare tool at FuelEconomy.gov. Manufacturers are making it easier for you to choose a more fuel-efficient car, as most new cars are now fitted with a turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, rather than a 6- or 8-cylinder engine. A turbocharged engine burns gas more effectively and makes for improved acceleration and better fuel economy.

5. Drive Less, Be Healthier

If you can walk for short trips instead of driving, you can help save gas and reduce your car’s emission. It takes several miles for your car to warm up, and during this period the car is less fuel efficient and distributes more pollution.

Walking to work is a great way to use your car less, as well as allowing yourself to become healthier. If you need some motivation, use Fitbit as a step-tracker and log your activity.