5 Secrets to Saving Money at the Pump

Even though gas prices are dropping (as of this writing), there’s no reason that you should spend more money on fuel than is absolutely necessary. A penny saved is a penny earned, after all.

Here are 5 secrets to saving money at the pump.

1. Roll Down Those Windows

Obviously, this isn’t advice you want to follow right after you winterize your car. However, during the summer months in a warm climate, you can save money on fuel by rolling down your windows instead of using the air conditioner.

Believe it or not, running your air conditioner actually costs you gas money. That’s because your engine needs to work harder to keep up with the energy demanded by your air conditioning. If you think about how your electric bill spikes in the summer when you run your A/C, then you know they require quite a bit of electricity.

Instead of your running the A/C for hours during the summer, give yourself a breath of fresh air by rolling down the windows and riding with your forearm resting on the bottom of the window frame. You’ll look cooler and save money at the same time.

2. Keep The Tires Filled

Modern day cars will give you an alert on the dashboard when your tire pressure drops below the recommended PSI. That’s something that a lot of people ignore, but you really shouldn’t.

Why? Because if the tires are properly filled, you’ll get better mileage out of your vehicle. Better mileage translates to less gas money out of your pocket.

3. Join a Rewards Program

You can save a significant amount of money on fuel if you become part of a rewards program. There are probably more than a few gas stations in your area that offer some kind of rewards program for loyal customers. You can usually find them near the cashier if the gas station is also a convenience store. Pick up one of those brochures that you’ve been ignoring and start saving some bucks.

Also, some grocery stores offer fuel discounts as part of their rewards program. Become a loyal customer at those stores, use your rewards card when you shop, and start saving money at the pump.

4. Drive Calmly

If you want to reduce the amount of cash you’re contributing to your local gas station, consider driving like your grandmother.

Instead of swerving around all over the place, changing lanes frequently, driving fast and then slowing down, and zooming around in a generally erratic fashion, start to drive more calmly. You’ll require less work from your engine and, as a result, you won’t be burning as much gas.

5. Use Your Mobile Device

Do you want to save money on fuel? There’s an app for that.

It’s the Information Age, after all. It shouldn’t surprise you that the wonders of modern technology are here to assist you when it comes to finding ways to reduce your fuel expenses.

Download and install iGasUp. That’s an app that will give you a list of the 10 cheapest gas stations near you. Obviously, go to the cheapest one.

Unfortunately, fuel expenses are non-discretionary costs for almost everybody. However, there are ways to limit the amount of money that gas takes out of your monthly budget. Follow these money-saving tips and boost your cash reserve.