I have been pleased to see that gas prices in my area have fallen to just under the $4 mark finally, but I can still remember when $0.79 was a high price to pay for gas. So, we take every step that we can to get the most out of the gallons of gas that we purchase at these inflated prices.
1. This sounds simple, but pay attention to the gas prices in your area. The station closest to our home is one of the lowest priced around, but the one just down the street (same chain) is almost always about $0.20 per gallon more. By driving 3 blocks (about a mile), you could save $2 per 10 gallons, which can add up over time.
2. Get regular oil changes and tune ups. When you keep up with the maintenance on your car, you will get the most out of the miles you drive, plus your car will last longer. Also make sure your tires are properly inflated, not too worn, and rotated as needed.
3. Cruise control when travelling. We had to get a new car recently after the Honda broke down (well out of warranty), and the repairs cost more than what the Honda was worth. We purchased a Ford Focus, and drove it to Tennessee in December when visiting family. It has a feature that will keep up with your gas mileage for you on the dashboard, and it averaged 38 MPG on the highway when we used the cruise control. It was SO NICE having a more fuel efficient vehicle!
4. Plan ahead when running errands. Making a list of the places you need to go (and the items you need to get while you are there) will allow you to make sure that you don’t forget anything and have to make additional trips, and will assist you in planning your most fuel and time efficient route. I keep a cooler in my car in case I need to get any items that must stay refrigerated so I don’t have to worry about things getting ruined on warm or hot days.
5. Carpool when you can. I don’t work outside the home any longer, but when I did, I carpooled with co-workers. Since I worked in a downtown metropolitan area about 20 miles from home, this allowed us both to not only save on fuel, but also on monthly parking fees, which were about $50 per month. She drove one week, I drove the next, and we split the $50 fee so we each had to pay only $25.
Jennifer Johansen says
I always get our gas at the same place we get our groceries from. We get a better price due to the loyalty program and the rewards discount.
Caroline Morin says
Keep tires inflated helps. I drive a diesel though, so gas prices aren’t really something I can do much about (you have a more limited selection of where you can go, etc). I think there are smartphone apps that can locate the lowest prices closest to your location… I would definitely use one of those.
Kirsten says
We think before we go anywhere and combine multiple errands in one trip. Groceries, gas, appts, library, etc. I very rarely use the car for one thing.
Richard Hicks says
my tip is to get unnecessary stuff out of trunk, keep tires inflated and car tuned up to save on gas
ardy22 at earthlink dot net
kathy pease says
price chopper also has a fuel discount on your grocery store purchases..that is my only tip other than that I pretty much stay home a lot or save any errand and do them all at once
Stephanie Phelps says
I shop at Kroger and you get a discount on your fuel!
Stacey Roberson says
I usually fill up at Sam’s Club, unless I can find cheaper elsewhere, which is rare.
Alicia K says
coast as much as possible
Kelly D says
My tip is to watch the gas station prices within my area, and buy when I see the lowest price.
Sandy VanHoey says
I use my Kroger rewards to get my gas so I can save and try to fill up when I see it finally going down in price.
Sarah L says
Stay home.
Margaret Smith says
Combine errands to prevent having to keep running out. Also, I’ve found that shopping online I can not only save fuel, but I seem to get better deals.
Sara Zielinski says
Consolidate by doing many things while you are out instead of doing a little bit each day.
Nena Sinclair says
Keep your car tuned up and well maintained1
richelle bowers says
fuel at the coolest part of the day so you’re getting actual gas and not just vapor
Chelsey says
Keeping a cooler in the car is a great idea! My tip is to check out local incentives. One of the local grocery stores in my area offers reward points, and once a person has enough points, they can be used to lower gas prices at their station (up to a dollar per gallon or more!), so I do most of my shopping there.
Lisa Brown says
Make sure tire pressure is as stated for your tires, drive under 60 MPH
Jenn says
Aside from trying to get the best deal locally on gas; we consolidate our driving by doing all of our trips at once, rather than making a bunch of separate trips – this way, we’re only leaving our house once and driving 10-15 miles to all of the shopping destinations, rather than doing so multiple times.
Betsy Rubendall Barnes says
We constantly check our tire pressure to save on gas 🙂
Cindi says
We keep our oil changes up to date and get periodic
oil filter, air filter and tire rotations on all our vehicles.
Thanks, Cindi
Suzanne B. says
When I’m in town I’ll keep a look out for all the gas stations and see which one is cheapest and remember it next time I need to fill up!
Rebecca L says
I heard something about filling your tank up at night…this is the only thing that I can really do to save on gas prices. Also you can check on the lowest gas prices near you on the Internet.