Frugal Fill-Ups: 30 Ways to Save at the Pump

Don't let skyrocketing fuel prices drive you crazy! There are many ways to put an immediate dent in your gas expenses. 

First, nothing will save you more money at the station than a fuel-efficient car. Large, heavy vehicles can burn up to three times as much fuel as small cars - and as gas prices rise, your wallet will groan with every extra pound. If it's time for a trade in, seriously consider purchasing a car that was built to get good gas mileage. There may even be tempting tax breaks for investing in the latest technology. 

The following 29 additional tips will speed up your savings even further - print them out

and keep them in your car as a daily reminder.

 1.  Keep your tires filled with the right amount of air

 2.    Keep your clutch adjusted

 3.    Use the manufacturer’s suggested engine oil and maintain the level and cleanliness

 4.    Choose the route with the flattest terrain and fewest stops

 5.    Use your air conditioner sparingly

 6.    Remove unused bike and luggage racks to make your car aerodynamic

 7.    Keep the windows closed when traveling at high speeds

 8.    Work earlier or later to avoid traffic jams and stop-and-go traffic

 9.    Remove heavy objects from the car

10.  Bike, walk, or use public transportation whenever possible

11.  Turn the car off rather than idle (when appropriate)

12.  Don't warm up new cars - most don't need it

13.  Avoid traveling at fast speeds in low gears

14.  Drive the speed limit

15.  Use cruise control on the open road, when safe

16.  Accelerate slowly when leaving the stoplight

17.  Buy gas with the lowest octane rating (check the owner’s manual)

18.  Don't rev your engine

19.  Arranging for carpools to share the cost of gas

20.  Avoid routes where construction work is being done since the stop-and-go will use up a lot of gas

21.  Use your navigation system (if available) to avoid getting lost and wasting gas

22.  Combine errands into one trip when it makes sense

23.  Use websites and mobile applications that list gas stations with the lowest prices

24.  Drive conservatively and leave a buffer between you and the cars in front of you

25.  Don’t “top off” at the gas pump

26.  Don’t drive far out of your way to save a few pennies at another gas station

27.  Walk into restaurants instead of using the drive-through

28.  Avoid circling a parking lot to find a space that is just a little bit closer

29.  Ask your employer if they will let you work from home a few days per-month

Provided by our partners at BALANCE Financial Fitness.