Gas is expensive. Even if your car is cheap and you have cheap insurance and you do all your repairs yourself, you still need to pay for gas and there's a limit to how much you can price compare for gas. So how do you keep down your costs? See some ideas shared by a reader.
Want to learn more? Let’s get started.
Use a gas-finding app
As you all probably know, gas prices can vary across each station. However, you don’t need to go for a long drive to find the most affordable option. Gas-finding apps, like GasBuddy, can locate the best prices near you quickly and easily. It might sound like a lot of effort for a few cents, but add it all up, and you could be saving hundreds.
Take advantage of coupons and rewards
Gas reward programs are generally free to join, so if you’re looking for an easy way to save money, it’s definitely worth signing up to one. While some will give you money off after you earn a certain amount of points, others will give you a discount for every purchase (provided you spend enough). Remember, you can always sign up for more than one if you don’t always visit the same station.
Prepare your route in advance
If you want to save money and get to your destination more quickly, preparing your route in advance is a wise choice to make. You’ll be able to dodge traffic jams and will avoid having to make multiple trips. Alongside this, you also reduce the risk of having a vehicle accident.
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Consider taking public transport
Certainly, one of the most effective ways to reduce fuel costs is to use other forms of transportation, like public transport. It’s affordable, better for the environment, and still gets you from point A to point B. You might also think about riding a bike, walking, or carpooling with friends.
Avoid idling for longer than necessary
Idling wastes fuel, so while you might be tempted to let your car heat up or cool down before you get moving, you want to avoid it. The same goes for if you are sitting in your vehicle waiting for your friend to run an errand. By turning off the engine, you can save those precious dollars.
Regularly maintain your vehicle
Finally, another way to reduce the cost of vehicle ownership, including gas expenses, is to make sure that you keep your car regularly maintained. By practicing preventative maintenance and visiting your mechanic, you can locate repairs before they start impacting your fuel efficiency.
And that’s it! These were six different ways that you can save money on gas. Are there any other tips you would recommend?