5 Easy Ways to Save on Gas

Fluctuating gas prices are nothing new; in fact, most of us are used to prices rising or falling slightly between each trip to the pump. But this year, as drivers fill up for their commutes and make plans to hit the road for summer travel, prices are up significantly, with the U.S. national average hitting more than $4 per gallon due to global supply tensions.

The good news is that even as prices climb, there are plenty of easy ways to spend less. Here are some ways to keep your spending on gas to a minimum.

1. Consolidate your trips and errands.
Short trips with a cold engine are fuel-inefficient; instead, plan your errands in advance to avoid last-minute dashes.

• Be purposeful: Is a grocery store or bank branch along your route to work?

• Use navigation tools: Apps like Google Maps or Waze allow you to add multiple stops, automatically optimizing your route to save time and fuel.

2. Use apps to find the best deals.
Gas prices can vary by 20 cents or more at stations just a few miles apart. Here’s how two of the most popular apps work:

• Upside: A popular cashback app that offers up to $0.25 off per gallon at participating stations. You simply claim a deal, fill up, and receive cash back via the app.

• GasBuddy: This is the gold standard for finding real-time, crowd-sourced prices nearby.

3. Take advantage of loyalty programs.
Sticking to certain chains can lead to consistent savings through free rewards programs:

• Grocery Rewards: Many regional chains allow you to earn fuel points while shopping for groceries. Redeeming these at partner stations can often save you anywhere from $0.10 to $1.00 per gallon.

• Station-Specific Perks: Programs like Kwik Rewards or Shell Fuel Rewards offer instant “cents-off” discounts just for being a member.

• Wholesale Clubs: If you have a membership to Costco or Sam’s Club, their pumps are almost always priced significantly lower than standard stations.

4. Opt for alternative transit or staycations.
Driving might be inevitable for hard-to-get-to locations, but for many routine trips there are ways to give your car a break.

• Local Transit: Look into local bus routes or ride-share programs for your daily needs. Even one day a week of carpooling adds up to big savings over a year.

• The Staycation: Skip the long road trip this year and find fun in your own backyard. Whether it’s visiting a local museum or trying a new neighborhood restaurant, the money you save on gas can be used to splurge on a better experience at home.

5. Consider the “Electric” Alternative.
Granted, this option takes effort, but if you’re looking to bypass the pump entirely, switching to EV and e-bikes offers the highest potential savings.

• EV Charging: Use apps like PlugShare to find free or low-cost charging stations. Charging at home during off-peak hours (usually late at night) can also drastically lower your costs compared to midday charging.

• Hybrid Efficiency: If you drive a hybrid, focus on “hypermiling”: accelerate gradually and coast to stops, which maximizes your battery usage and keeps your MPG high.

• E-Bike Commuting: For trips under 10 miles, your daily commuting costs can drop to mere cents.