Gas is a big expense for many households and as prices continue to climb, we know the worry it causes not only drains your wallet but also your mental health. We’ve put together some tips and tricks for you to minimize your car’s fuel and maximize your savings.

  • Slow down: Driving at high speeds and braking hard can increase your car’s fuel consumption. Try driving the speed limit or using cruise control to reduce drag.
  • Check your tire pressure: Under and over-inflated tires will increase your vehicle’s engine power resulting in higher fuel consumption. Keep your tires at the recommended PSI per the specifications of your car’s make, model, and tire type for better fuel efficiency.
  • Lighten your load: Avoid keeping heavy, unnecessary items in your vehicle. The extra weight you’re hauling around could reduce your miles per gallon, especially for smaller vehicles. Take some time out of your day to clean out your vehicle.
  • Avoid Idling: Whether you’re waiting for your fast food order or waiting for your kiddo in the after-school pick up line if your engine is on, you’re burning fuel. Turning off your car while you wait is better for your wallet since you’re not wasting fuel and it’s better for the planet since there are fewer emissions that lead to pollution.
  • Care for your Car: Make sure your vehicle is operating at peak performance so it’s not wasting fuel. Keep up with a regular maintenance schedule for fuel injector cleaner, oil, and filter changes, and tire rotations.
  • Consider your payment options: You may be able to reap the benefits of paying for high-priced gas depending on your payment method. Each time you swipe your credit or debit card at the pump, you could get cash back bonuses or points through your financial institution’s rewards program. These benefits can add up and you can cash them in for prizes and gift cards.

If you decide to pay with cash at the gas station, you could be offered a discount since the business isn’t losing money from card processing fees, so in return, they pass these savings on to you. 

Join a wholesale club or loyalty program: Wholesale clubs such as Costco, Sam’s Club, or B.J.’s, sometimes offer gas for 30-40 cents cheaper than a regular gas station. You do have to pay an annual membership fee, but the savings at the pump and in the store could very well be worth the initial expense. Many supermarkets or chain gas stations offer loyalty programs that allow drivers to earn points with each visit. Once you’ve reached a specific point goal you’ll be rewarded a discount at the next fill-up. 

Use a mobile app: Apps like GasBuddy, Gas Guru, or Waze are free for both Apple and Android devices and make it easy to find gas stations in your area with the best fuel price. You can also earn money when you fill up with cashback apps like iBotta. Simply scan your receipt to earn points and redeem for cash or gift cards once you hit a specific dollar amount.

While fuel prices will always fluctuate with the economy, these tips are good to practice no matter the price at the pump. If you’re thinking of buying a more fuel-efficient vehicle, check out the features of an AFFCU Auto Loan.