Help fuel your road trip fun and errands around town with these genius hacks for how to save on gas!
Taking a road trip is always a fun idea, but your wallet will thank you now and later when you learn How To Save On Gas!
If you’re planning your next getaway or you just want to know how to spend less on gas around town, here are some of my absolute favorite Genius Money Saving Tips to stretch your budget and save big on gasoline!
You’ll thank yourself at the pump when you start using these smart tips for saving BIG on gas…
How To Save On Gas
Related:
#1: What Saves The Most Gas?
I’ve found that what saves the most gas is to combine your errands around town.
Debbie writes: “I am trying to stay home more. I really plan my trips out of the house. I try to go to stores that are by each other. “
Linda writes: “I always do my errands in a circle from one direction around to the last one closest to home, never back and forth.”
Bonnie writes: “I’m planning trips to include as many tasks as I can into one trip to town.”
Lydia writes: “We share one car and combine trips when possible.”
Related: The Best Store Deals + Shopping Hacks
#2: Get Cash Back Every Time You Pump With a Cash Back Credit Card! {+ Get up to $200 Signup Bonus}
When I am looking for how can I save a lot on gas… my second favorite tip is to always to use a Cash Back Credit Card every time I fill up at the pump.
If you’re going to be paying for gas, you might as well get some cash back for every dollar spent, right?
#3: Check GasBuddy.com for the Best Gas Prices Each Day!
Whether you’re on the road trip of a lifetime, or just on your way to work… GasBuddy.com {or the Gas Buddy app} can help you find the best prices on gas near you! It may mean driving a bit off the highway, but a few extra miles just might add up to some serious savings!
Joan writes: “If I am somewhere where there is no Costco, I use the Gasbuddy app to find the cheaper option.”
Mary writes: “I use GasBuddy to find the cheapest BP within 10 miles”
#4: Use the AAA app to Find the Lowest Local Gas Prices.
Do you have a AAA account? AAA can be a lifesaver when you run out of gas or when your battery dies. I also frequently use AAA to score deals on hotel prices when on vacation. But did you know that AAA also has a feature on their free app that shows you local gas prices? You can find gas prices near your current location when you go to “Home” and scroll down.
#5: When Is The Best Time To Fill My Gas Tank?
Fill up at the pump early in the morning or in the evening. It’s true… heat affects the density of the gas, so this little trick is even more important during the warm Summer months. It’s an easy hack to ensure you get the most out of your fill-up!
#6: Fill Up using the Lowest Octane Gas Possible.
Lower octane gas is cheaper, so don’t use a higher octane gas than your car requires. Not sure whether to fill up the tank with regular or premium gas? Just give your local car dealership a call. Ask to speak with someone in the service department about your specific car model. They should be able to tell you what octane gas to use in your car for the local climate and elevation.
#7: Cash in on Grocery Store Rewards
Does your grocery store have a gas station? My local Fry’s {Kroger} offers a 10c off per gallon gas rewards for every $100 spent in the store. For an added bonus, you can complete a survey online for additional bonus rewards to rack up the savings! I’ve been doing this for years, and regularly get up to 50c off or more per gallon! Cha-ching!
Rhonda writes: “I buy groceries at Fry’s to get fuel points. I generally get 40 cents off per gallon”
Amanda writes: “I use discounts earned at Harris Teeter & try to plan my trips out so Iโm not going out of the way.”
Erica writes: “Thanks for teaching me your ways, FrugalGirls! I had fuel rewards to use before the end of the month and saved $19 filling the RV’s rear tank!”
#8: Keep an Eye On Your Tire Pressure!
It really pays to keep your tires properly inflated. Driving your car around with low tire pressure can easily cost you 1-2 miles per gallon of fuel efficiency. Plus, keeping your tires properly inflated will also help them last longer. So before you head out on the road, be sure to check your tire pressure! Your wallet will thank you!
I love using a Cordless Tire Inflator at home. They’re easy to use, fairly quiet and helps you avoid a trip to the gas station to fill up your tires.
#9: Avoid Credit Card Skimmers at the Pump!
I’ve actually had my card skimmed when pumping gas on a road trip just outside of L.A. To help you better avoid credit card skimmers and other common causes of identity theft, I’ve put together some easy tips for How to Protect Yourself From Identity Theft!
#10: Drive a Fuel Efficient Car… or Go Electric!
One of the easiest way to save money on gas is to drive a fuel efficient car. If it’s time to upgrade your ride, get a better deal when you try these 12 Ways to Save Money on Your Next Car Purchase!
Jennifer writes: “I just bought a Hybrid compact SUV”
Laura writes: “I drive an electric car and charge it for free at work.”
Suzi writes: “I traded cars with my mom so I could take her hybrid on vacation instead of my SUV”
Dana writes: “Two years ago we bought a Prius. We can sometimes get 70 mph going down the mountain to town and long trips are much more affordable with the great mileage. The best way to save money is to not spend it.”
#11 Carpool & Split the Bill
Tabby writes: “My husband and I have been carpooling to work”
Kristin writes: “I trade off nights with another mom to soccer practice since our fields are kind of far away.”
9 More Tips for How to Save Money on Gas:
Michelle writes: “I make list of things when needed, and only go out to shop 1 day/ every 2 weeks. And map out/ plan my trips to conserve gas. Also us Moms carpool kids around, instead of everyone driving separately. And I order online, or shop locally so I drive less. Also my family uses a “gas” card and rewards points to save money and earn gift card for free gasoline.”
Debra writes: “I order what I need online, delivered to my door.”
Deana writes: “I’ve been not sitting with the engine idling, putting it in N or P while sitting and waiting in line for something… like we grew up doing.”
Gretchen writes: “I’ve been not letting the car just idle while I wait in it at activities, consolidating trips, planning my trips efficiently, driving in ECO mode, coasting up to a stop light from a distance (as long as there aren’t drivers behind me, no need to frustrate others), no more dropping a kid off then running home then rushing back to pick up the kid – I sit and read/work at their activities instead.”
Dia writes: “Work from home if you can!”
Megan writes: “I turned our car on Eco Mode, travel less, and walk to do school pickup instead of drive.
Alana writes: “I shut my car off in the school pick up/drop off line”
Stephanie writes: “I bought a bicycle to bike back and forth to work.”
Kirk writes: “I started awhile back… paying myself 35 cents each time I ran an errand on my bike. Now I am up to 50 cents for each trip” ๐
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So what are some of your favorite tips for How To Save On Gas?
Leave a comment & share!
CoCo says
These tips and tricks are always so helpful, Heidi! We do all our errands in town at the same time and use lower-octane fuel but I never realized tire pressure affected fuel like that or that the time of day we gassed up mattered either. I’ll definitely be putting these tips into action! Thanks, lady, CoCo
Heidi says
Those are great tips too, CoCo… thanks so much for sharing!
Rainbow Evening says
I should do no.2 and 3….
Yes, I always do” #8: Keep an Eye On Your Tire Pressure!”
Thank you for useful tips… love it.
Heidi says
You’re very welcome… so glad you found the gas tips helpful!
Veronica Lee says
Thanks for the helpful tips, Heidi.
I appreciate the wonderful hacks and tips you share.
Hugs and blessings
Heidi says
You’re very welcome, Veronica… I hope you have a lovely week!
Healthy World Cuisine says
I love how I can get caught on your website going from page to page because something else caught my eye. 30 minutes later we are here to say thank you for these tidbits on saving but especially on the information about theft in the card readers at the station. Had this happen to us too. Always have your eyes and ears and tactile senses ready to go because the bad actors are always in pursuit.
Heidi says
Aww… you’re so sweet! I’m so glad to hear you’re enjoying all of the little tips and tricks! I’m so sorry to hear that you had your card skimmed at the station, too. Stay safe!
Her Digital Coffee says
Very helpful tips Heidi! Planning your trips beforehand and sticking to areas that are close together is a great idea. I had no idea that filling up in the morning or evening had such an impact. Thank you for sharing!
Heidi says
You’re very welcome… so glad you liked the tips to save money on gas!
somewhereinireland says
Great tips. I stopped driving nine years ago and ride the bus. The buses are free and so are the train rides for people 66 and over. It’s a geat deal if you like public transit. It took me awhile to get used to it but now I don’t miss driving at all. Have a wonderful week.
Heidi says
Oh wow… that’s a great way to save! I love that you’re able to ride for free, too!
Kathrine Eldridge says
So many great hacks here! I had no idea that fueling up in the morning and evening is better. Thanks for sharing!
https://www.kathrineeldridge.com
Heidi says
You’re very welcome, Kathrine… anything to save some money at the pump helps! ๐
Lisa's Notebook says
I knew about keeping tyres inflated to save on petrol costs but that tip about filling up at the pump early in the morning or in the evening is a new one on me – thank you, Heidi!
Heidi says
You’re very welcome, Lisa… so glad you learned some helpful new tips!
delphine says
merci pour ces informations
Bonne journรฉe
Heidi says
Avec plaisir, Dephine. ๐
Adriana Leandro says
Great tips. The prices are so high.
Have a nice day.
Heidi says
They really have gotten SO high!
Michelle says
Such great tips! Gas prices are so high where I am… gotta combine those errands to make it worth the trip!
Heidi says
I definitely agree, Michelle… that really does help!