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10 Ways to Save Money on Gas
Fuel costs are high amid conflict in the Middle East — follow these tips to spend less at the pump
Video: Stop Overpaying for Gas With 3 Smart Habits
Drivers who have visited the gas pump in recent days are probably seeking relief for their wallets. Gas prices have surged in the wake of the conflict with Iran, with the average price reaching $4.076 per gallon on April 17, up from $3.790 a month ago, according to the American Automobile Association (AAA).
The spike stems from the fighting in the Middle East, which is limiting oil and gas shipments from the Persian Gulf. “The thing that made this different from past skirmishes or wars in the region was the fact that Iran lashed out at ostensibly friendly neighbors,” says Tom Kloza, chief oil analyst at Gulf Oil, referring to attacks on Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia. “In the Persian Gulf region, there’s about 7.5 million barrels a day of refining capacity. The fact that that has been threatened, that’s the game changer.”
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If the conflict drags on, gas prices could soar even higher in the coming weeks and months, industry analysts say.
How much pain you feel at the pump depends, in part, on where you live. The West Coast tends to see higher gas prices, while places near the Gulf Coast see the lowest.
The rise in gas prices comes at a time when many older adults’ wallets are already stretched thin by rising grocery expenses, surging utility costs, and insurance rate hikes that are outpacing inflation. But whether you’re traveling, commuting or simply relying on your car to go about your day, there are steps you can take to save at the pump.
1. Sign up for loyalty programs
Many gas stations offer free loyalty programs that allow customers to save with every fill-up. Shell’s program offers up to 10 cents off per gallon, Exxon Mobil’s lets customers earn at least 3 cents per gallon in points and 7-Eleven loyalty members save at least 5 cents per gallon. There are sign-up perks too: At the time of this writing, Chevron is offering 25 cents off per gallon on your next five visits to the gas station, just for joining the program.
Some grocery chains, such as Giant, Hy-Vee and Tops, also offer gas rewards. For instance, the loyalty program for the Kroger’s network of grocery stores — which includes Dillons, Fred Meyer and Mariano’s, among other supermarkets — lets you earn one fuel point per dollar spent on groceries. Every 100 points gets you 10 cents off per gallon. AARP members can earn extra points at Exxon or Mobil stations on everyday purchases like fuel, car washes and convenience store items when they link their Exxon Mobil Rewards+ account to their AARP membership. Members can also get Complimentary Gold Status at Shell — including savings of at least 5 cents per gallon at participating Shell stations when they link their Fuel Rewards account to their AARP membership.
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 FuelUp 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 $4.954 on April 17 — about 88 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.
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