Financial Resource

Knowing ways to save money on gas can make a big difference in your monthly fuel bill, whether you are embarking on a long journey or just making a daily commute.

Top Tips for Gas Savings

Here are eight quick tips for saving money at the pump.

1. How fuel efficient is your car? Do some research to determine if you could save money in the long term by switching to a model that gets more miles to the gallon. It may also be possible for you to make your current vehicle more fuel efficient, and you may even be able to get tax credits for doing so. Talk to your accountant to find out more about your options.

2. Can you share a car? If you want to save money on gas without changing your car or your buying habits, see if you can give somebody else a ride to work in the mornings and split the cost. Talk to friends and colleagues to gauge interest in such an arrangement, or do a google search for car pools in your area.

3. Consider public transportation. So many opportunities exist for convenient public transportation. You may be able to get some work done en route, too (or, at the very least, some peace and quiet before and after your work day.)

4. Shop around for the best fuel prices. You might be surprised how much the price of gas can vary from pump to pump. A simple Internet search can help you locate the cheapest local options before you even leave your house.

5. Look after your tires. High resistance tires and under inflated tires make your driving less efficient. Also, make sure your air filter is clean. Driving with it dirty can reduce your fuel efficiency, too.

6. Be a loyal customer. Some gas stations will give you a loyalty discount if you buy from them regularly or join a loyalty club. Some credit cards will also give points or cash back for gas purchases.

7. Choose the right grade. Before you pay more, find out if your car’s engine was designed for premium gasoline. Experts say that the less expensive grades are fine for many vehicles. Consult your owner’s manual to see if your car needs the more expensive grade. If your owner’s manual doesn’t mention the recommended grade of gasoline, consult your mechanic or car dealer.

8. Watch your driving. When you accelerate suddenly, you burn more fuel than you would if you were driving at a consistent and comparatively low speed. Also, avoid idling as well as driving around looking for a closer parking spot when a short walk could get you where you want to go.

With the price of fuel on the rise and concerns about global warming leading to increased pressure on government to tax motorists, it has never been more important to know how to save money on gas.

In the long run, all you need to do is reassess your driving habits and take good care of your car, which is a wise move regardless of the price at the pump.

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