10 Ways to Save Money on Gas

2. Leverage credit card rewards

You’re probably aware that many rewards credit cards let you earn points or cash back for gas purchases. But here’s a lesser-known money-saving tip from credit industry veteran John Ulzheimer: Some card issuers let you use points to purchase gas gift cards. For instance, points earned with credit cards that operate within the Chase Ultimate Rewards program can be redeemed for gift cards from Gulf, BP or Speedway. Capital One’s credit card rewards program also lets customers redeem points for gas station gift cards.

3. Keep your car in tip-top shape

Ensuring your vehicle is in optimal condition can help improve its fuel economy, meaning fewer stops at the gas station. Stay on top of oil changes, tire rotations and other routine maintenance, and get to a mechanic ASAP if your car’s check-engine light goes off.

Tire pressure is also key. “Underinflated tires create extra rolling resistance, which makes the engine work harder and burn more gasoline,” says Robert Sinclair Jr., AAA’s senior manager of public affairs. 

You can save as much as 11 cents per gallon just by properly inflating your tires, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, yet only about 1 in 5 people do so. Sinclair recommends checking tire pressure at least once a month. Typically, you can find your vehicle’s recommended tire pressure on a sticker inside the driver’s door or in your owner’s manual.

4. Adjust your driving habits

Speeding, rapid acceleration and hard braking can reduce your gas mileage by 15 to 30 percent on the highway (wind resistance at heightened speeds makes the engine work harder) and 10 to 40 percent in traffic, according to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). Sticking to the speed limit and accelerating gently can boost your car’s fuel economy by up to 40 percent. 

The DOE also cautions against hauling cargo on the roof of your car and recommends drivers avoid idling, which can burn up to half a gallon of fuel per hour. (Read: Turn off the engine when your vehicle is parked.)  

5. Maintain at least a quarter tank

Don’t wait until your tank is close to empty before filling up. As you get near “E,” sediment in the bottom of the tank can build up and clog the fuel line, Sinclair says. Keeping it at least a quarter full can help prevent that.  

6. Shop the smaller brands

While you’re likely to drive by more BP, Exxon Mobil and Shell stations, smaller chains like Lukoil, QuikTrip and Speedway often have lower gas prices, Sinclair says. Another option: Warehouse clubs like BJ’s, Costco and Sam’s Club offer discounted gas for their members — typically 20 cents below the average, Kloza says. 

7. Compare prices

Don’t just pull over at the first gas station you see. “The location of a gasoline station can play into how much they charge,” Sinclair says. “Gasoline tends to be more expensive at stations that are on or near highways, and in affluent neighborhoods and in poorer neighborhoods.” Shopping around is key. You can use free mobile apps such as AAA Mobile, GasBuddy and Gas Guru to find the lowest fuel prices near you.

8. Consider ditching premium gas

Unless your car’s manufacturer recommends that you use premium, your car will likely run just fine on regular gas. A gallon of premium costs on average $4.439 on March 11 — about 86 cents more than regular.

9. Fill up on Sundays

A recent GasBuddy analysis found that Sunday is typically the cheapest day to buy gas in most states. Midweek days, especially Wednesday through Friday, are typically the most expensive.

10. Clear your trunk of unnecessary items

Excess weight can lower your car’s gas mileage. An extra 100 pounds in your vehicle could reduce your fuel economy by about 1 percent, according to the DOE.