Frugal Fill-Ups: 30 Ways to Save at the Pump

First, nothing will save you more money at the station than a fuel-efficient car. Large, heavy vehicles can burn up to three times as much fuel as small cars – and as gas prices rise, your wallet will groan with every extra pound. If it’s time for a trade in, seriously consider purchasing a car that was built to get good gas mileage. There may even be tempting tax breaks for investing in the latest technology. The following 29 additional tips will speed up your savings even further – print them out and keep them in your car as a daily reminder.

1. Keep your tires filled with the right amount of air
2. Keep your clutch adjusted
3. Use the manufacturer’s suggested engine oil and maintain the level and cleanliness
4. Choose the route with the flattest terrain and fewest stops
5. Use your air conditioner sparingly
6. Remove unused bike and luggage racks to make your car aerodynamic
7. Keep the windows closed when traveling at high speeds
8. Work earlier or later to avoid traffic jams and stop-and-go traffic
9. Remove heavy objects from the car
10. Bike, walk, or use public transportation whenever possible
11. Turn the car off rather than idle (when appropriate)
12. Don’t warm up new cars – most don’t need it
13. Avoid traveling at fast speeds in low gears
14. Drive the speed limit
15. Use cruise control on the open road, when safe
16. Accelerate slowly when leaving the stoplight
17. Buy gas with the lowest octane rating (check the owner’s manual)
18. Don’t rev your engine
19. Arranging for carpools to share the cost of gas
20. Avoid routes where construction work is being done since the stop-and-go will use up a lot of gas
21. Use GPS to avoid getting lost and wasting gas
22. Combine errands into one trip when it makes sense
23. Use websites and apps that list gas stations with the lowest prices
24. Drive conservatively and leave a buffer between you and the cars in front of you
25. Don’t “top off” at the gas pump
26. Don’t drive far out of your way to save a few pennies at another gas station
27. Walk into restaurants instead of using the drive-through
28. Avoid circling a parking lot to find a space that is just a little bit closer
29. Ask your employer if they will let you work from home a few days per month
30. Avoid gas stations near the highway as those prices tend to be higher than gas stations further from the highway entrance