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Gas prices seem to rise faster than your fuel gauge drops, but saving money on gas doesn’t have to feel impossible. However, you can implement a few simple strategies to save money on gas, whether it’s at the pump, while driving, or through proper car maintenance.
To help uncover the best ways to save, we spoke with Chaya Milchtein, an automotive educator, influencer, and author of Mechanic Shop Femme’s Guide to Car Ownership.
Chaya has made it her mission to teach everyday drivers, especially women and queer people, how to take control of their car knowledge and confidence. She’s taught classes at libraries, universities, and businesses across the country and has partnered with major brands like Mercury Insurance, CarMax, and TireRack.
With her expert advice, you can learn how to save money on gas and keep more cash in your wallet.
Saving at the Pump
Regardless of the average gas price, there are ways to reduce costs at the pump with these gas-saving tips.
Use Apps to Find the Cheapest Gas
Your smartphone is a powerful tool for finding the best gas prices in your area. Gas price apps like GasBuddy display prices at nearby stations, which is especially useful on road trips. Many stations right off the highway or in major city centers have higher prices, so an app can help you find cheaper options along your route.
However, Chaya advises being strategic. “You should absolutely shop for the best price in gas when it makes sense,” she says. “You don’t want to make an additional, out-of-the-way trip to the gas station and use more gas than you actually end up saving.”
Buy the Right Fuel
Unless your car’s manufacturer specifically requires premium gasoline or diesel, using a higher-octane gas is usually unnecessary. This type of fuel can cost much more per gallon than regular unleaded gasoline.
Chaya confirms that it’s a common misconception. “Using premium fuel in vehicles that don’t recommend or require it doesn’t protect your engine or increase fuel efficiency,” she explains.
So, save some money at the pump by using the fuel grade your car was designed to use.
Choose a Good Rewards Program
Many gas stations and grocery chains offer loyalty or rewards programs that can help lower your fuel costs.
For example, Costco and Sam’s Club offer discounted fuel with a membership, while Shell Fuel Rewards and Kroger Fuel Points let you earn cents off per gallon every time you shop. Compare programs to see which one fits your driving habits and spending patterns best.
Saving While Driving
Your driving habits have a direct impact on your vehicle’s fuel consumption. Here are a few tips on how to save gas while driving:
Drive The Speed Limit
Speeding is one of the biggest factors in decreased fuel economy. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, every 5 mph you drive over 50 mph is like paying an additional $0.22 per gallon for gas.
“When you’re driving your vehicle and you decide to exceed the speed limit, all of the tips you’ve used to save on gas are going out the window,” Chaya warns. “Plus, all of the data shows that you’re not actually getting anywhere faster.”
Also, driving at safe and reasonable speeds can help avoid accidents, which is one way to help lower your car insurance rate.
Use Cruise Control
When driving on open roads, cruise control can be a great tool for improving fuel efficiency. It helps maintain a constant speed, preventing the unnecessary acceleration and deceleration that burns extra fuel.
“If you are driving on the highway, using cruise control can help with fuel efficiency because then the vehicle can tend to optimize for efficiency in a way that a driver may not be able to,” says Chaya.
Plan Your Routes
Efficiently planning your trips can reduce the number of times you need to visit the pump. Try to combine errands into a single outing. For example, stop by the grocery store, swing by the post office, then grab lunch on the way home instead of making three separate trips.
Chaya has a practical method for this: “I like putting all the places that I need to go into Google Maps, then adjusting the destinations until it finds the most efficient route.” She adds, “Sitting down and planning what your day looks like and what your stops will be is best for not only your time, but your fuel efficiency as well.”
Windows Closed, Air Conditioning On
It might seem counterintuitive, but on the highway, it’s typically more fuel-efficient to use your air conditioner than to roll down the windows. Why? Open windows create significant aerodynamic drag at high speeds, which forces your engine to work harder.
“Air conditioning absolutely uses gas,” Chaya clarifies, “but when driving at highway speeds, keeping your windows open and producing unnecessary drag will be less fuel efficient than not using air conditioning.”
Reducing Warm-Up Time
Modern cars don’t need to idle for long periods to warm up. Letting your car idle wastes fuel and produces unnecessary emissions.
“I always suggest getting into your car, turning the car on, buckling your seat belt, and adjusting the radio. By the time you’re done with that, your car is ready to go,” Chaya recommends. “The car will warm up much faster if you’re actually driving.”
Saving with Maintenance
Proper vehicle upkeep is key for both safety and fuel economy. These money-saving car maintenance tips will help keep your car running efficiently.
Keep Your Tires Aired Up
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, underinflated tires can lower gas mileage by about 0.2% for every pound per square inch (psi) that your tire deflates. Additionally, underinflated tires can reduce your grip on the road and make your car harder to handle, which increases your risk of an accident. With that being said, make it a habit to check your tire pressure regularly.
“Check and adjust your tire pressure at least once a month, or twice a month if you don’t have working tire pressure sensors,” advises Chaya.
The correct pressure for your manufacturer-installed tires is listed on the sticker inside your driver’s side door jamb, not on the tire itself. The PSI printed on the tire refers to the maximum pressure the tire can handle, not the ideal pressure for your vehicle.
Don’t Skip Oil Changes
Regularly replacing your vehicle’s oil helps reduce friction in the engine, which can help give your car better gas mileage. Using the right type of oil for your vehicle is also important. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, using the manufacturer’s recommended motor oil for your vehicle can improve your gas mileage by 1-2%.
Lighten the Load and Remove Unneeded Car Accessories
Extra weight and wind resistance can quietly chip away at your fuel efficiency. Take a few minutes to clear out anything you don’t need (e.g., old sports gear or heavy tools) and remove unused roof or bike racks.
Chaya notes, “Primarily for highway driving, you’ll have aerodynamic issues going at higher speeds with bike and roof racks.”
The lighter and more streamlined your car is, the less work your engine has to do, which means better gas mileage and smoother handling.
Drive Smarter and Save
Whether you’re filling up at the pump, driving on the highway, or performing routine maintenance, gasoline-saving tips can make a noticeable difference in your budget.
Another way to save is by making sure you have the right auto insurance. Mercury offers reliable coverage at an affordable price, so you can protect your vehicle and your wallet at the same time.
Contact us today for a fast, free quote!
Chaya Milchtein is an automotive educator, influencer, and author of Mechanic Shop Femme's Guide to Car Ownership. She unapologetically stands out in a crowd, flaunting her fashion sense while teaching about cars, traveling the world, and breaking all kinds of norms. Chaya made it her life’s mission to educate women and queer people about their cars.
The Mercury Marketing Team is made up of professionals in the fields of Content Creation, Public Relations, Social Media and Journalism. The team works together to deliver professionally written and researched content to provide information for consumers.