What's Raising Gas Prices (and 14 Ways to Fight Back)
2. Buy gas at a warehouse club
When I do buy gas, I buy it at Sam’s Club. You need a membership to fill up at one of the big bulk store’s gas stations, but I save an average of 10 cents per gallon.
3. Ease off the gas pedal
Aggressive driving – jumping on the gas when the light turns green and speeding to the next one – can decrease your fuel efficiency by 37%, according to auto site Edmunds. Simply driving moderately can give your car near-hybrid performance. Not only is this the single best thing you can do to use less gas, it’s free.
4. Don’t speed
Consumer Reports tested a sedan and SUV and found that decreasing the speed from 75 to 55 mph improved gas mileage by 35%. Leave a little earlier, be less stressed, and save.
5. Get a tune-up
After a tune-up – including an oil change, tire alignment and air filter replacement – your car will run more efficiently. The Federal Trade Commission says you can increase gas milage by an average of 4%.
6. Find cheap gas with your smartphone
There are plenty of apps that help you find the cheapest gas prices in your town. Here are my favorites:
7. Use the minimum rated gas for your car
My friend fills up with premium gas even though the automaker recommends midrange for her car. She thinks it makes the car more fuel efficient. It doesn’t. The FTC is really blunt about it: “It won’t make your car perform better, go faster, get better mileage or run cleaner. Your best bet: Listen to your owner’s manual.”
