Save Money at the Pump: 50 Practical Ways to Beat Rising Gas Prices

If you are trying to save money at the pump, you are not alone. Gas prices are climbing again, and it feels like every fill-up costs more than the last.

The good news is that there are a lot of small, practical things you can do that really do make a difference.Some of these are quick changes. Some are habits. A few might surprise you.

If you start using even a handful of these, you can begin lowering your gas bill right away.

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Get Gas for Less

1. Avoid filling up on weekends or right before holidays.
Ever notice that gas prices seem to jump right before the Fourth of July? That is not a coincidence. The same thing happens around Thanksgiving, Christmas, spring break, and throughout the summer driving season when demand is high.

We actually put a reminder on our Google calendar to fill up at least three days before major holidays, and it has saved us more times than we can count. This is an easy way to save money at the pump without changing anything else you do.

2. Fill up on Mondays or Tuesdays when possible.
Prices tend to be lower at the beginning of the week before they start creeping up again. If you can make this part of your routine, it is a simple way to consistently find cheaper gas without extra effort.

3. Buy gas early in the morning or late at night during summer.
This one may sound a little picky, but every little bit helps. Fuel is slightly denser when temperatures are cooler, so filling up early or late can give you a small advantage over time. It is not a huge difference, but when gas prices are high, even small savings add up.

4. Use apps like GasBuddy to find the cheapest gas nearby.
We have used GasBuddy for years, especially when traveling. If we know we are stopping 30 minutes down the road, we can set the app to search that specific area and find the best price ahead of time. You can even adjust how wide of an area it searches, which makes it incredibly helpful for saving money on gas during trips.

With Gas Buddy, instead of guessing, you can compare prices and choose the best option in seconds.

5. Pay attention to gas prices where you regularly drive.
When you start noticing prices at stations along your normal routes, patterns begin to emerge. That awareness makes it much easier to recognize a good deal and avoid overpaying when gas prices spike.

6. Keep a simple gas log.
We have been tracking our gas for years, and now some of our grown kids do the same. Writing down your mileage, gallons, and cost helps you understand what is actually affecting your fuel efficiency.

Over time, this habit makes it much easier to save money at the pump because you can clearly see how your driving habits are affecting your car’s performance and how often you need to fill the tank.

7. Fill up at warehouse clubs like Costco or Sam’s Club.
Not only is Costco known for selling jumbo packs of just about everything, they also have their own gas stations, which are usually among the cheapest in town. The consistently lower price per gallon was actually one of the factors we considered when deciding to renew our yearly Costco membership.cheaper than traditional stations.

8. Use a Costco Shop Card if you do not have a membership.
This tip is especially helpful if you want access to lower gas prices without committing to a full membership. If you have a friend or family member who shops at Costco, they can purchase a shop card for you so you can still fill up there.

9. Check gas prices across state lines if you live nearby.
Gas taxes in our state are among the highest in the nation. Seriously, we are in the top two. Because of that, it is very common for people who live near a state border to drive across the line just to fill their tank and save money. short drive could save you several cents per gallon.

10. Join gas station loyalty programs.
Most major gas stations offer rewards programs that give you a few cents off per gallon. It may not seem like much at first, but those small discounts add up over time, especially if you consistently fill up at the same place. Always check to see if you can even stack discounts from gas apps on top of the lower loyalty price.

11. Use Circle K Easy Pay or similar programs.
Some stations offer additional savings when you link your payment method or preload funds. These programs are simple to use and can give you a consistent discount every time you fill up.

12. Take advantage of Shell Fuel Rewards.
Although Shell gas stations are often a few cents higher than competitors, their rewards program can close that price gap. It is easy to use and offers savings on every fill-up. You can also stack rewards through everyday spending, which makes it another practical way to lower your overall fuel costs.

13. Try cashback apps like GetUpside.
We have friends who use GetUpside regularly and have been able to lower their gas budget each month because of it. It takes a little planning, but getting cash back after you fill up is an easy way to reduce what you are actually paying per gallon.

14. Use grocery store fuel points, like Kroger.
You will earn points for every dollar you spend at stores like Kroger, and those points can turn into real savings at the pump. There are rules on how many gallons you can buy at a discount each month, so be sure you understand how the program works. Also, do not purchase extra groceries you would not normally buy or load up your cart with costly name-brand convenience foods just to earn points.

But if Kroger is your store of choice, their loyalty program is a great way to save on gasoline. Be sure to watch the weekly flyer for deals. Not only can you lower your grocery budget, stores often offer additional perks like double or even triple fuel points for a limited time, which can really increase your savings.

15. Ask if there is a cash discount.
Some gas stations charge less if you pay with cash instead of a card. It is not always clearly advertised, so it is worth checking before you fill up.

Drive Smarter and Use Less Gas

16. Combine errands into one trip.
Instead of making multiple short trips throughout the week, try grouping your stops together into one outing.

Years ago, we actually did a 30-day experiment with this and were shocked by the results. We saved about 25 percent on gas that month, and that was when we had four kids at home and a very busy schedule.

17. Carpool when you can.
Sharing rides with a coworker or neighbor can significantly reduce your fuel costs. Larry did this for over a year with a man who lived around the corner from us and worked at the same company, and it made a noticeable difference.

18. Plan routes ahead of time.
A little planning can prevent unnecessary backtracking and wasted miles. Choosing the most efficient route ahead of time is a simple habit that helps you save money at the pump without much extra effort

19. Use fuel-efficient routes on navigation apps.
Many people do not realize that your GPS can actually plan routes designed to save on gas. Although they are not the shortest, these routes often avoid heavy traffic and frequent stops, which helps improve gas mileage over time.

20. Walk or bike for short trips.
If something is close by, skipping the car altogether is the best way to save on gas. Larry enjoys running errands on his bike, and it is surprising how many places are closer than you think when you actually map it out.

21. Make more right turns than left when possible.
Left turns often mean sitting and waiting in traffic, which wastes fuel. Delivery companies, like FedEx and UPS, have used this strategy for years because it helps reduce idle time and improve fuel efficiency.

22. Use the center lane on busy roads.
On multi-lane roads and highways, staying in the center lane can help you avoid constantly slowing down for turning vehicles. In town, though, it is more of a wash since there is usually more traffic and people entering and exiting the road.

23. Accelerate gradually instead of quickly.
One way to think about this is to drive like there is an egg under both the accelerator and the brake. We used to tell our kids this when they were learning to drive in bad weather, but it is just as helpful for everyday driving and improving fuel efficiency.

24. Brake gently and early.
Hard braking wastes the momentum your car has already built. Leaving more space between you and the car ahead allows you to slow down gradually and use less fuel.

25. Maintain a steady speed.
Constantly speeding up and slowing down burns more gas than maintaining a consistent pace. The smoother your driving, the better your overall fuel efficiency will be.

26. Avoid speeding.
It goes without saying that speeding is not advisable when it comes to the speed limit. But speed also matters for airflow and fuel efficiency, since higher speeds increase wind resistance and reduce your gas mileage.

27. Coast toward stoplights when you can.
Instead of accelerating right up to a stop, take your foot off the gas and glide. This simple habit is one of the easiest ways to save money at the pump over time.

28. Glide downhill instead of accelerating.
Let gravity do the work whenever possible. This reduces the amount of fuel your engine needs to maintain movement and helps improve fuel efficiency.

29. Turn off your engine if you are waiting.
If you are stopped for more than a minute, idling can waste more gas than restarting your car. I have to add a short explanation to this tip. Although it makes sense in situations like long train delays, it is not practical during stop-and-go traffic in town.

30. Use your car’s eco mode if available.
Our car has an eco mode, and we use it regularly. In recent years, many manufacturers like Toyota have added this feature, and it is an easy way to improve fuel efficiency without thinking about it.

31. Use cruise control on flat roads.
Cruise control helps maintain a steady speed, which improves gas mileage. It works best on long highway drives where traffic conditions are consistent.

32. Avoid cruise control on hills.
On hills, cruise control can cause your car to accelerate harder than necessary. Driving manually in these situations often uses less fuel and gives you better control.

33. Use air conditioning wisely.
There is both a science and an art to knowing when to use your car’s air conditioning. At lower speeds, opening the windows can be more efficient, while at higher speeds, using AC with the windows closed can actually improve fuel efficiency.

Maintain Your Car for Better Mileage

34. Check your tire pressure regularly.
Checking tire pressure is one of the first things Larry taught our sons when they were learning to drive. We live in the Midwest, and with constantly changing temperatures, tire pressure fluctuates more than people realize.

We recommend checking it every six to eight weeks. In fact, we were those parents who gifted each of our kids their own tire pressure gauge when they got their first car.

Properly inflated tires can improve gas mileage by around 3 percent, which makes this one of the easiest ways to save money at the pump.

35. Look for uneven tire wear.
Another early driving lesson we taught our kids was to physically look at their tires. It is a simple habit, and it pairs naturally with checking tire pressure. Uneven wear can signal alignment or inflation issues that may be quietly reducing your fuel efficiency.

36. Remove unnecessary weight from your vehicle.
The heavier your car is, the more fuel it takes to move it. Cleaning out your trunk can make a difference, but there is one exception. If you live in an area where winter driving requires sandbags for traction, that added weight is worth it for safety.

37. Reduce drag by removing roof racks.
Anything that changes the shape of your vehicle affects airflow and, ultimately, your gas mileage. This includes roof racks, carriers, and especially travel trailers.

If you tow a trailer or camper, it is helpful to track your mileage both with and without it so you can better estimate fuel costs and plan your trips.

38. Track your miles per gallon.
When you monitor your MPG over time, you begin to see how your habits and conditions affect your fuel efficiency. This awareness makes it easier to adjust your routine and consistently save money on gas.

39. Change your oil regularly.
Clean oil helps your engine run smoothly and efficiently. Skipping oil changes can cause your engine to work harder, which increases fuel consumption.

40. Use the correct type of oil.
Different vehicles require different types of oil, and using the right one matters. Following your manufacturer’s recommendations helps maintain performance and fuel efficiency.

41. Replace your air filter when needed.
A clean air filter allows your engine to get the oxygen it needs for proper combustion. When airflow is restricted, your engine has to work harder, which can increase gas usage.

42. Stay on top of general maintenance.
A well-maintained car simply runs more efficiently. Regular checkups and basic upkeep can go a long way toward lowering your overall fuel costs.

43. Check your alignment periodically.
Poor alignment can cause your vehicle to pull slightly, which forces your engine to work harder. Keeping your alignment in check helps improve gas mileage and reduces unnecessary wear on your tires.

Lifestyle Changes That Add Up

44. Use heated seats instead of blasting the heater.
If you are driving alone, the heated seat feature is often enough to keep you comfortable on short trips. It uses less energy than running the full heating system and can help reduce fuel use.

45. Park in the shade when possible.
We sometimes forget how much cooler it can be in the shade. As kids, we naturally gravitated toward shady spots on hot days, and the same idea applies to your car. Parking in the shade helps keep your vehicle cooler and reduces the need for air conditioning.

46. Let hot air out before turning on the AC.
On a hot day, your first instinct is to blast the air conditioning, but there is a better approach. Open the doors or windows for a minute to let the hot air escape before turning on the AC. This helps your system cool the car more efficiently and reduces fuel use.

47. Shop online when it makes sense.
Decades ago, shopping was often a day-long event. It meant dressing up, getting in the car, and physically going from store to store. Nowadays, instead of making multiple trips, we can order items online and have them delivered right to our door, sometimes the very same day. Not only is it practical, but fewer trips also mean less fuel used and more money saved over time.

48. Work from home when possible.
Several of our grown sons now work from home, and it has been a great convenience in many ways. Even one less commute per week can make a noticeable difference in how much you spend on gas.

49. Use public transportation when available.
When gas reached four dollars per gallon several years ago, Larry took the bus to work. It picked him up just two blocks from our home, and he used the 30-minute ride to read and enjoy a cup of coffee. It was also about half the cost of driving our older eight-cylinder vehicle. At the time of writing this, gas prices have climbed even higher, making this option worth considering again.

Stack Your Savings

50. Combine discounts whenever possible.
Stacking rewards programs, cashback apps, and store loyalty points is one of the most effective ways to save money at the pump. When you combine multiple small discounts, they add up quickly and can make a meaningful difference in your total fuel costs.

Your Turn

How are rising gas prices affecting you right now? Have you made any changes yet, or are you still figuring out a plan? Tell us about it in the comments.

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