How to Save Money on Gas: 8 Money-Saving Tips You Need to Know

1. Invest in a club membership

Membership clubs tend to have the lowest gas prices and you’ll save on groceries by buying in bulk. I recommend Sam's Club or Costco - Costco has the lowest gas prices in my area - it may be different for you.

If you’re not able to fit the annual $50-60 membership cost into your budget, consider splitting the cost with housemates or other people at your same address.

2. Download the app GasBuddy app

GasBuddy is a 100% free app and it will check for the cheapest gas prices in your area. Not only that, but they have several other features It includes a trip calculator so you can budget fuel costs for longer trips. You just need to input your starting point A to ending point B and it’ll let you know which gas stations to stop along the way and the average fuel costs.

If you permit the app to do so, it will track your driving habits and let you know what driving habits affect your fuel efficiency. For instance, if you brake hard or you're going over the speed limit, it’ll let you know that you're doing this and this, and how correcting it will affect your fuel efficiency.

3. Use cash when paying for gas

A lot of gas stations do charge credit card fees, sometimes even for a debit card. Avoid those unwanted car fees that increase the price overall. It’s the little things that add up in the search for how to save money on gas.

4. Keep up with your car maintenance

Be sure you're on top of things like your oil changes and changing your air filters which affect your fuel efficiency and can help you save money on gas.

Make sure your tires are properly inflated by checking out your car's manual or online to find what the tire pressure should be. Properly inflated tires help your car save gas by riding smoothly.

5. If you can, try not to use the AC

Keep your windows down to cool the inside of your car which will save money on gas. Using your car’s air conditioner reduces your fuel efficiency.

6. Use public transportation, walk, or bike where you can

If you're a student or a senior, you should be able to get a discount on all types of public transportation. If you're able to walk somewhere and it's good weather, get some fresh air, get some exercise while saving money on gas. 

7. Carpool to work and when running errands

This is one of the best ways to save money on gas. If you can carpool to work, both you and your fellow riders will save money on gas. Going to the grocery store with friends or family saves you all money on gas, and you get the bonus of social time while running your errands as well. Plan your trip ahead to accommodate everyone, saving multiple individual trips and money on gas.

8. Invest in a gas cap lock

Unfortunately, high prices have caused people to steal other people's gas. Gas theft could cost anywhere from $50 to $100 or more, depending on what type of car you have. To prevent gas theft, buy a gas trap lock. The cost averages $20 or less for most makes and models. Be sure it fits your car's make and model properly because there are different ones for each car. 

How to save money on gas

With a few adjustments in your lifestyle, knowing how to save money on gas will become a habit. Not only will your bank account be better off, but you’ll also be wasting less and doing good things for the planet at the same time!