Looking for ways to save on gas? Don’t miss these great tips! (And be sure to check out the Upside app for one of the best ways to save money on gas!)
Thanks to our many followers who shared gas-saving ideas in a recent Facebook post and helped us compile this list.
30 Ideas for How to Save Money on Gas
With the increasing cost of gas (and everything else), every little bit of savings can really add up over time.
If you’re looking for more ways to pad your budget, this list of ideas to save on gas should help you do just that. With 30+ ideas, you’re sure to find something new you haven’t yet thought of yet!
Money-Saving Apps to Save on Gas
1. Gas Buddy: Use this app to find the best gas prices in your area. This is especially great for when you’re traveling.
2. Upside: Save up to $0.25 per gallon every time you fill up. (Plus get a first-time bonus when you sign up!)
3. Fetch Rewards: Scan gas receipts and earn points towards gift cards.
4. BP: Save $0.50 per gallon on your first fill-up after downloading the app, and then $0.05 per gallon after that. Valid at BP and Amoco stations.
5. Ibotta: Earn cash back for scanning your receipts at certain gas stations.
How to Save on Gas at specific stores
6. Utilize gas discounts at Costco or Sam’s Club if you have a membership (some claim to save up to $0.60 per gallon!).
7. Save up to 10 cents per gallon at Walmart stations if you have a Walmart+ membership.
8. Check your local gas stations to see if they have rewards programs or discount cards.
9. Take advantage of gas gift card deals at grocery stores like Publix and Kroger.
10. Redeem Swagbucks to buy gas gift cards on Amazon to use at Chevron or Texaco stations.
11. Buy gift cards from Kroger to get 4x fuel points, which will then give you up to $1 off per gallon of gas. Stretch this discount even further by filling up all your vehicles in one transaction!
More Creative Ideas to Save on Gas:
12. Stay home more. Cook and entertain at home instead of going out. Enjoy a staycation instead of traveling to a destination (become a tourist in your own town!).
13. Don’t idle too much. (Consider going inside instead of idling in a long drive-thru line.) And be sure to use cruise control for highway driving whenever possible.
14. Walk or ride your bike instead of driving, if possible.
15. Carpool to work, school, and other activities. While this won’t work for everyone, if you can split the costs of gasoline with someone else, you’ll definitely save a bundle.
16. Take public transportation if possible. While public transportation might not seem feasible for some, if gas is eating your budget alive, it’s worth checking into. According to a study by the American Public Transportation Association, you can save close to $10,000 per year by using public transportation.
17. Have your kids ride the bus to school (if it’s offered for free in your area).
18. Limit extra-curricular activities like travel sports that require lots of driving.
19. Combine your trips and errands. (You’ll save time, too!)
20. Drive slower. Fuel efficiency drastically decreases over 60 mph.
21. Lighten up. According to the EPA, reducing the weight in your car by 100 pounds can increase your fuel efficiency by up to two percent, or up to $0.07 per gallon. Don’t haul anything unnecessary.
22. Travel outside of “peak hours” to avoid idling in traffic congestion.
23. Keep vehicle tires properly inflated for better gas mileage.
24. Fill up before you get to 1/4 tank.
25. Fill up on Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday as prices often increase over the weekend.
26. Avoid rapid braking or punching the accelerator. These can cut fuel efficiency by as much as one-third at highway speeds and five percent in the city. Driving more carefully can save you up to $1 per gallon.
27. Be easy on your engine so it functions well and offers the best gas mileage. And stay on top of regular tune-ups.
28. Don’t use your car’s AC unless necessary, as it lowers gas mileage.
29. Choose vehicles with better gas mileage (smaller car or minivan). According to FuelEconomy.gov, a vehicle that gets 30 MPG will cost you $880 less to fuel each year than one that gets 20 MPG (assuming 15,000 miles of driving annually and a fuel cost of $3.52). Wow!
30. Consider switching to a motorcycle or moped, if possible.
What else would you add to this list? Let us know in the comments!
Jc says
Is there a mechanical reason for filling up before getting to 1/4 tank? I didn’t understand that one.
Jordan says
From what I understand cars don’t run as well if they pull too much air to gasoline ratio. Making sure you fill-up at 1/4 tank helps to stop this problem. I hope that helps it make a little more senses! -Jordan, MSM Team
Joanne Peterson says
Shell Gas stations also have 5 cents a gallon off when using their app. While this is specific to a few states in the midwest, it still will save money, Festival Foods has a card has teamed up with Kwik Trip tied to buying groceries in Festival Foods store and saving money at the pump at Kwik Trip gas stations at participating stations. Piggly Wiggly Grocery stores has pig points for savings on gas at Shell stations at participating stores. Kwik Trip also has cents off of gas for buying certain items. Varies by month.
Jordan says
Thanks so much for sharing your tips! -Jordan, MSM Team