Keeping The Costs Down At The Pump And Behind The Wheel

Unless you live close to a city center near your workplace, or you work from home, chances are you have to commute to work. While commuting is an unavoidable part of the daily grind for many, there are a lot of ways you can cut down on your fuel costs. Let’s examine a few of the best ways.

Use An App To Comparison Shop

Keep track of which gas stations are offering the most competitive prices in your area. There are a lot of apps out there that track this information. If a station is offering gas for a few cents less, make a point of getting gas there, even if it means going a few extra miles out of your way. Keep it within reason, of course, as you don’t want to negate the better price through driving too far.

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Use A GPS To Track The Shortest Route

The GPS in your phone or onboard GPS in your car can be programmed for the shortest route possible for maximum fuel-efficiency. Google Maps usually comes preloaded on Android phones and Apple Maps on the iPhone if your car doesn’t have an onboard GPS.

Choose The Right Day And Time To Get Gas

While gas prices vary widely from state to state, most analysts recommend getting gas early in the week or on a Sunday. Prices tend to be highest mid-day at peak driving periods, and might go down by a few cents in the late evening at many stations. Early morning is also a good time to fill up before everyone else is on the road. Keep an eye out when you’re driving or check your pricing app.

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Join A Rewards Program

Choose a great credit card that offers reward points or cash back on gas purchases. Choose a card that offers rewards points through Costco or other convenient locations that will help you accumulate points you can use for a discount on a tank of gas. You’ll also save money by combining the refuelling trip with a trip to the grocery store.

Maintain Your Car

Keep your car in good shape with regular maintenance. Regular oil changes, maintaining the correct tire pressure, and fixing any exhaust system issues quickly, are all examples of things that will keep your car’s mileage at an optimum level. This is also a great habit to pass on to your kids if they’ve just obtained their drivers licence.

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Drive Sensibly

Research shows that you lose fuel economy the more aggressively you drive. Ease up on the gas pedal and accelerate more gradually to make your gas last longer. Try to avoid running the heater or air conditioning too high or for too long. Plan your excursions and combine trips as much as you can to conserve a bit of fuel.

Apply The Above Principles Consistently

Keeping fuel costs down is about making the most of all the strategies at your disposal, sound budgeting, and understanding your own driving and spending habits. Consistent use of the above strategies on a long-term basis will save you money at the pump, keep your car in better shape, and give you some peace of mind.

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Sources: 1, 2, 3