AARP Hearing Center
Key takeaways
- Save up to 20 cents per gallon by buying gas on less expensive days, says Daniel Bortz.
- Maximize savings with gas rewards, credit card perks and grocery store points when
- you fill up.
- Improve fuel efficiency by driving smoothly, maintaining tire pressure and clearing out your car’s excess weight.
Summary
Saving money on gas has never been more important, with prices at the pump continuing to climb. AARP Personal Finance Editor Daniel Bortz shares practical gas-saving tips to help you keep more money in your pocket, starting with shopping smarter and timing your fill-ups. Buying gas on less expensive days like Sunday, using apps to compare prices and avoiding stations right off the highway can save you up to 20 cents per gallon. Even small tweaks — like using gas rewards programs, optimizing credit card perks and combining points from grocery store purchases — help stretch every dollar.
Adopting these gas-saving habits pays off long-term. Driving smoothly, maintaining proper tire pressure and removing excess weight from your vehicle all boost fuel efficiency, while free loyalty programs can cut even more off your final fill-up. These small changes aren’t just about saving a few cents — they add up to significant savings over time. Visit aarp.org/money for more ways to protect your budget and make smarter financial decisions.
Full Transcript:
[00:00:00] With gas prices on the rise, there are a few smart ways to save at the pump.
[00:00:06] Number one, be strategic about where and when you buy gas. Gas prices tend to follow a weekly pattern.
[00:00:14] In many places, Sunday is one of the cheapest days to fill up. Just changing the day you fill up could save you 4 to 9 cents per gallon.
[00:00:22] It also pays to shop around. Gas stations right off the highway are usually more expensive. Check out apps like GasBuddy, AAA Mobile, and FuelUp to help you
[00:00:33] find the cheapest option near you. You could save 10 to 20 cents per gallon just a few blocks away.
[00:00:39] Number two, try to stack gas rewards programs whenever you can. Many gas stations offer free loyalty programs that can save
[00:00:48] you 5 to 10 cents per gallon. Grocery store fuel rewards can help too. These programs give you points for everyday purchases at your
[00:00:57] supermarket, and often, every 100 points is 10 cents off per gallon.
[00:01:03] Many rewards credit cards offer points or cash back on gas purchases, too. Some even let you earn points you can redeem for gas station gift cards.
[00:01:13] And don’t forget, AARP members can also earn extra points or gas discounts by linking their AARP membership to programs like ExxonMobil
[00:01:24] Rewards Plus or Shell Fuel Rewards. Number three, make your gas go further.
[00:01:31] How you drive also matters. Smooth driving uses less fuel, so avoid hard acceleration and sudden braking.
[00:01:39] Underinflated tires alone can reduce gas mileage by 3%.
[00:01:45] Make sure your tires are properly inflated, and keep up with regular tune-ups.
[00:01:51] Also, take a look at what you’re hauling. Extra weight in your trunk can reduce fuel efficiency.
[00:02:02] We know gas prices are tough right now. These are small changes, but they can add up to big savings over time.
[00:02:10] For more tips on how to save money, visit aarp.org/money.
