Filling your tank has become more expensive over the past year and gas prices are expected to rise. Right now, the national average price of regular gas is around $3.33 per gallon, which is almost a dollar more than it was a year ago. Experts predict that we may see prices near the $4 mark by spring. Although gas prices are up, there are tricks you can use to avoid overspending.
Use a gas app
Many drivers make the mistake of getting gas wherever it’s convenient regardless of the price. An easy way to save money is to shop around. Downloading an app like GasBuddy can make comparing gas prices easy. Just tell them your location along with the fuel type you’re looking for and they’ll give you a list of the cheapest nearby stations.
Choose the right fuel for your car
Contrary to popular belief, using a higher grade of gas than recommended isn’t going to make your car run any better. Don’t burn higher octane gas than your engine needs.. See what kind of fuel your owner’s manual recommends and stick to it.
Pay with cash
The next time you pull up to the pump, pay special attention to the advertised price. Some stations offer discounts to drivers who pay with cash instead of credit. The savings can range anywhere from 10-15 cents per gallon. Although that may not sound like much, it can really add up over time.
Join a gas rewards program
If your favorite gas company has a rewards program, be sure to sign up. Typically, you’ll earn points when you buy fuel or merchandise which you can later redeem for savings. For instance, when you join the Exxon Mobil Rewards+ program, you earn 3 points per gallon on fuel and 2 points for every $1 you spend at the convenience store or their car wash. Every 100 points you earn can be redeemed for $1 in savings.
Turn your groceries into savings
Some grocery stores have rewards programs that allow you to redeem your points for fuel at certain gas stations. Shell has teamed up with Fry’s, Kroger, Ralph’s, Stop & Shop and a few other supermarkets to help you save money. Just pick up your groceries and scan your rewards card at checkout. You’ll earn 1 fuel point for every $1 you spend on eligible purchases. When you reach 100 points, you can redeem it to save 10 cents per gallon at Shell stations.
Change your driving habits
An easy way to save money on gas is to drive less. You can take public transportation, carpool or ride a bike to work. When you do take your car for a spin, consider tweaking your driving habits to use less fuel. Avoid driving aggressively (speeding and slamming on your brakes), keep your tires properly inflated, remove heavy items from your vehicle and turn your car off when parked for more than 10 seconds.
