Beat the Pump: 5 Smart Ways to Slash Your Gas Bill
Nobody likes high gas prices. It feels like a constant drain on your budget, and beyond trading in that gas-guzzler for a more efficient mode of transportation, it may not seem like there’s much you can do. However, that’s not entirely true! There are several steps, some surprisingly simple, that you can take to significantly save on fuel. These small changes can add up to big savings over time, making a real difference to your pocketbook.
Here are a few smart strategies to start saving on gas today.
1. Combine Errands
This is one of the easiest and most effective ways to cut down on fuel consumption. Take a few moments each day or week to plan and combine your errands. Map out your stops along the most efficient routes, minimizing backtracking and unnecessary mileage. Your kids might not always appreciate those after-school detours to the grocery store or dry cleaner, but your wallet certainly will! Thinking strategically about your driving can drastically reduce the number of trips you take and the distance you cover. Before you leave the house, ask yourself: “Can I accomplish anything else while I’m out?”
2. Don’t Overfill Your Gas Tank
It might be tempting to round up to the nearest dollar or squeeze every last drop of fuel you can into your tank when refueling, but this common habit may actually be wasting your money. Most modern vehicles are designed with vapor recovery systems to prevent fuel fumes from escaping into the atmosphere. When you overfill your tank, you can overwhelm this system, forcing excess fuel directly into a charcoal canister designed to capture vapors. This fuel can then be purged back into the gas station’s storage tanks or even leak out. That means you may be paying for gas that never makes it into your engine. Stop filling when the pump automatically clicks off to avoid this costly mistake.
3. Drive Less
This sounds simple enough, and often, it really is. Sometimes we use our cars out of sheer habit or even boredom, rather than necessity. Before hopping in your car, consider if there’s an alternative. Can you take a walk to the corner store for that forgotten item? Could you take a bike to a nearby park or friend’s house? Perhaps you can simply put off that non-urgent trip until tomorrow when you have other errands to combine it with. Staying at home to cook a meal, read a book, or play a game with family can be a surprisingly effective way to save on gas. Every mile you don’t drive is a mile you don’t pay for.
4. Keep Your Car Maintained
A well-maintained car is a fuel-efficient car. Simple maintenance tasks can significantly improve your gas mileage. Keeping your wheels aligned prevents unnecessary drag and tire wear. Tires properly inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure (found on a sticker inside your driver’s side door jamb or in your owner’s manual) reduces rolling resistance, which directly impacts fuel economy. Even seemingly minor things like changing dirty air and oil filters can help your engine breathe and perform more efficiently. Additionally, removing heavy, unnecessary items from your trunk or truck bed can reduce your vehicle’s weight, making it easier for the engine to move and thus improving mileage. Every bit of weight counts!
5. Be Easy on the Accelerator and Brakes
We’ve all been passed by a speeding car only to see them impatiently stuck at the very next traffic light. Don’t be that person! Remember the fable of the tortoise and the hare? It applies perfectly to driving efficiency. Being slower and steadier both on the gas pedal and the brakes will not only reduce wear and tear on your car’s engine, transmission, and braking system but will also dramatically improve your gas mileage. Aggressive driving—rapid acceleration, hard braking, and excessive speeding—burns significantly more fuel than smooth, consistent driving. Anticipate stops, coast when possible, and maintain a steady speed. You’ll be amazed at the difference it makes.
Saving on gas is a fantastic way to keep more money in your pocket, but it’s not the only way to save on overall car costs. You may also be overspending on car insurance without even realizing it. Unless you compare rates and coverage, you might be paying more than you need to.
Contact us for a free, no-obligation auto insurance quote. If you think saving on fuel is important, wait until you see what you may be able to save on car insurance! Our independent agents can help you find competitive pricing and ensure you have the right coverage for your situation. We look forward to assisting you in optimizing all your car-related expenses.
