When you look at your monthly bills and budget, you probably see high prices from everywhere, but the gas price is especially painful for many.
The national average price of one gallon peaked last month at $ 4.33, according to AAA. It was over $ 5.10 for diesel and regionally topped parts of the US $ 6 per gallon for regular unleaded. In California, prices are still hovering at and above $ 6. A year ago, the national average was $ 2.87 – an increase of $ 1.46 per gallon. On April 6, the average was down to about $ 4.18, about $ 1.31 higher than a year ago.
California’s average prices are high around $ 5.84, Missouris’s are low around $ 3.73 per gallon.
The driver of a full-size SUV pays an average of about $ 110 More every month on gasoline and a full-size pickup, $ 100 more than a year ago, according to KBB.com. Even under-compact and compact cars cost around $ 54 to $ 60 more a month.
>> Read next: Wait, are there Americans happy about high gas prices? And no, it’s not just environmentalists (or even all liberals)
The White House blames Vladimir Putin’s attack on Ukraine and oil and gas companies that “hoard without producing” oil on federal lands. The Biden administration is releasing from the US oil reserves about one million extra barrels on the market every day for the next six months to increase supply and hopefully put a dent in prices.
In the meantime, here are 30 ways you can save money on gasoline.
Get the right timing
Top up Mondays and maybe Fridays
Monday usually has the lowest average gas prices in many states, according to studies by GasBuddy 2017, 2018 and 2019. Unlike previous years, Friday was one of the cheapest days of the week to buy gas in 2021. This trend disproves the 2019 results, which placed Friday as one of the most expensive days of the week at the pump, and may be attributed to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic and more distant work lifestyles.
2. Avoid buying gasoline on Thursdays
While the weekend previously held the title of the most expensive prices, Thursday is the most expensive day to fill, according to GasBuddy. Wednesday follows Thursday as the most expensive day to fill up.
By the way, the theory that it is better to get gas early in the morning when it is cooler does not really pay off, according to Consumer Reports. Because fuel is stored in underground tanks, the temperature remains stable, and the expansion and contraction of gasoline due to day-long temperature shifts is minimal for the consumer.
Where to refill
Avoid stations near the highway
Gas stations near the highway or major roads are convenient, especially if you are already idling – and you pay the price for that convenience. A station in your area is probably cheaper, so plan ahead.
4. Top up in discount stores
Stores like Costco or Sam’s Club give discounts to their members, and the membership fee can be worth it.
5. Buy gas in a cheaper condition
Each state charges different rates. If you travel and cross state lines, or live near a state line, pay attention to which state has lower prices and top up when you are there.
Buy smarter
Pay with cash
Many gas stations give drivers a discount if they pay in cash instead of by credit card. The discount is usually a few pennies per gallon, but if you drive a lot, the savings increase.
7. Obtain a credit card from an oil company
Companies like Shell and Chevron offer their own credit cards. The rewards that card issuers provide can help cover the costs.
8. Sign up for a Rewards Credit Card
Credit card companies are competitive and eager to acquire your business. Some of them offer rewards as points for buying gasoline. American Express has cards that give 2% and 3% cash back at US gas stations, according to NerdWallet. Discover offers a 5% refund bonus on petrol from April to June.
9. Check out loyalty programs for grocery stores
Grocery store loyalty programs such as Safeway’s and Krogers offer incentives to use their gas stations. Shoppers can earn one fuel point for every dollar you spend in the store at Kroger, and at Safeway, 100 points can give you as much as a $ 1 discount per gallon.
Buy gift cards at the grocery store
Refill gift cards in grocery stores throughout the year. It’s another way to collect reward points or fuel points in stores like Kroger.
Drive differently
11. Avoid driving during rush hour
If you can skip rush hour traffic, you can increase your gasoline driving. Stop-and-go traffic lowers your vehicle’s fuel efficiency.
12. Take it steady
Your car will use less fuel if you drive at a steady speed. When you vary your speed, the amount of fuel used can increase by up to 20%.
13. Use the cruise control
Cruise control is a good way to maintain the same speed, especially during long journeys.
14. It’s not a race track
Aggressive driving such as fast acceleration and sudden deceleration wastes gas. It can reduce your gasoline driving by about 15% to 30% at highway speeds and 10% to 40% in stop-and-go traffic, according to fueleconomy.gov. Keep a greater distance from the car in front of you, especially in heavier traffic, so you do not have to brake as much. The more you brake, the more fuel you use to get started again.
15. Take it slow
Vehicles are most fuel efficient when moving between 30-50 miles per hour. Driving at speeds above 50 mph uses more petrol, which costs you more money.
16. Idle motors are the devil’s …
… However you say, if you are waiting to pick up a friend, avoid idling for more than a minute. Idle only wastes gas.
17. Skip Drive-Thru
Whether it’s McDonald’s, Burger King or Starbucks, park your car and go in to order, instead of idling in the through lane. (The same applies if you wait in that gas line at Costco – avoid idling.)
18. Do not heat the car
There is no need to warm up the engine for longer than 20-30 seconds, according to Consumer Reports. Modern engines are completely lubricated within that time. In really cold weather, one minute should be enough to mist the windows, and driving will actually warm up the car faster, says CR. In addition, you only add unnecessary greenhouse gas emissions to the atmosphere and waste fuel.
Give your car a little love
19. Check your tire pressure
Check your tire pressure every month, and inflate the tires when it is low and when the small tire pressure light comes on. When your tires are inflated too low, your car consumes more fuel. You can pick up a meter the size of a pen for less than $ 10.
20. Have your wheels readjusted regularly
Make sure you have your wheel alignment adjusted once or twice a year, depending on what your mechanic recommends. If your focus is off, it makes your car work harder when you steer, and it uses more gas.
21. Unload your rubbish
If your trunk looks like this, it’s time to clean it out. If you leave heavy sports equipment or tools in it or just use your car as a storage unit, take out everything you do not need daily. The extra weight can reduce your fuel economy.
22. Reduce wind resistance
Remove accessories that increase wind resistance, such as roof racks, when not in use.
23. Sweat It Out in Town
Just using air conditioning can increase your fuel consumption by 20%. Do not use it more than you need, and set the temperature lower. Around town, it is more efficient to turn off the AC and roll down the windows, according to fueleconomy.gov, and on the highway, it is actually better to use the AC and close the windows, as the open windows create resistance that reduces fuel efficiency. Park in the shade to keep the car cool and let the warm air blow out before starting the AC.
24. Avoid driving on land
Even if you think you can easily drive another 20 or 30 miles once the meter has been moved to empty, do not. Your only option may be a gas station near a highway, which means you may have to spend 10 cents more per gallon to refill. In addition, you may end up stranded.
25. Get a tuneup
Have a mechanic check that your engine is running reliably and replace worn parts. Schedule adjustments and maintenance according to your car’s manual, and it will use the fuel more efficiently.
26. Buy new filters
Have your mechanic install new filters for your oil and air conditioner regularly, especially if you live or work near an area with a lot of construction, gravel roads or drier climates. A clean filter helps your car use oil more efficiently.
27. Use the right oil
Cold weather reduces fuel efficiency, so be sure to use the type of oil recommended by your manufacturer for driving in cold weather.
28. Plan your route
If you always run last-minute errands or tasks like picking up dry cleaning or eating lunch, use more gasoline when making multiple trips. Make a list and plan a route so you can do errands on a trip.
29. Use apps
Download apps that provide useful information like the price of gasoline in different neighborhoods, so you can plan. GasBuddy provides real-time information from its audience-based database of prices at gas station convenience stores in your area. GetUpside and Checkout 51 are apps that give you money back on gas purchases and other purchases.
30. Walk or bike
For errands or other trips nearby, consider walking or cycling – you save on petrol and it’s good exercise too.
>> Read next: Wait, are there Americans happy about high gas prices? And no, it’s not just environmentalists (or even all liberals)
