Whether it is going to work, visiting family, or running errands, driving is an essential component of everyday life. As it becomes increasingly more expensive to operate vehicles due to soaring gas prices, filling up at the pump has become a financial burden to many individuals. Even though we can’t control the price of gas, we can take financially savvy steps to cut the cost of fuel expenses. Here are five tips to help you save money at the pump.
Join a Gas Station Loyalty Program
Most gas stations offer a loyalty program where you can earn rewards points and gain access to exclusive discounts. BP, Circle K, Mobil, and Speedway — among other — offer programs to help you save on fuel. Visit your go-to gas station online or in-person to sign up for their rewards program. Once enrolled, begin collecting points by scanning your loyalty card when you fill up. Rack up points and start saving today!
Use Grocery Store Rewards
Do you shop at a grocery store that has its own fuel station? By signing up for their loyalty program, you can earn reward points that can be redeemed to save cents per gallon the next time your car needs a fill up. Stores like Kroger and Meijer offer rewards points for every purchase that can translate to big savings at the pump.
Download Gas Price Comparison Apps
If you’re looking for the absolute best gas price in your area, there are dozens of apps to help you find the station with the lowest price. GasBuddy, Gas Guru, and Waze are popular apps that will help you save money on gas. Simply download one of these apps, enter your location, and instantly view a filtered list of stations offering the lowest prices on fuel.
Carpool with Coworkers and Friends
If you’re headed to work or meeting friends for dinner, avoid the extra expense of taking multiple cars to the same destination. If you live close to friends or coworkers, ask if anyone would be interested in sharing a ride. If you’re carpooling with coworkers consistently, set up a schedule to determine who drives each week. If you’re meeting friends at events or places, alternate drivers each time you meet up. If your carpool is inconsistent and you catch a ride every now and then, send or request money instantly using a transfer app such as Zelle®. Since money is sent directly from your bank account to another person’s bank account it’s important to only send money to people you trust, and always ensure you’ve used the correct email address or U.S. mobile phone number.
Accelerate Slowly and Coast
When speeding up or slowing down, be conscious when you change speeds. In most cases, the faster you accelerate, the more gas you use. Gradually build up speed when you’re getting on the highway rather than putting the pedal to the metal. When you know you’re approaching a stop or a turn, take your foot off the gas sooner and begin slowly coasting to a stop. While this may sound like an ineffective approach, extra distance traveled without using gas adds up.
Take advantage of these simple ways to save money on fuel to combat the gas price surge.