Some of us dread filling our cars up with gas. Gas prices constantly are constantly fluctuating, and it can be difficult to know whether you’re getting the best bang for your buck. Fortunately, there are a handful of ways to offset the price of gas and spend less at the pump. Just follow these 14 money-saving tips!

1. Sign Up at VOICED Market

VOICEDMarket.com is an online marketplace that offers deals and freebies on all kinds of items — including gas! Sign up today to receive their free newsletters, as well as the latest deals delivered right to your email inbox and account dashboard!

2. Shop Around

Prices differ from gas station to gas station, so shop around and find the one that has the cheapest price per gallon. You may have to drive a few extra miles, but it could save you a ton in the long run!

3. Use Cash

Most gas stations give discounts if you pay with cash instead of a credit or debit card. The discount can be anywhere from 3-10 cents per gallon, so it could be well worth it to keep some extra cash on hand.

4. Use Rewards Programs

Many gas stations offer loyalty programs where you can earn points or rewards for every purchase you make at their store. These rewards can then be used towards future purchases of gasoline or other items in their store — such as snacks or drinks!

Another way to use rewards programs to your advantage is with a cashback credit or debit card. With a Upgrade Cash Rewards card, you earn 1.5% back on all purchases, including gas. There’s also no annual fee.

5. Take Advantage of Special Promotions

Watch out for special promotions that certain gas stations may have going on throughout the year, such as double points days or discounted fuel prices during certain hours. Taking advantage of these promotions could potentially save you lots of money in the long run!

6. Plan Your Route

Make sure your route is planned out ahead of time so that you don’t end up having to go out of your way just to get cheaper fuel prices elsewhere. This will only end up costing you more time and money driving back and forth between two locations.

7. Fill Up When It’s Cooler Outside

Believe it or not, gasoline expands in hotter temperatures. Try filling up when it’s cooler outside, as this will result in less expansion and a lower cost per gallon for you!

8. Carpool Whenever Possible

Instead of driving alone all the time, you can drive less by carpooling with friends or family members whenever possible. This will cut down on how much gasoline is being used overall and will ultimately save everyone more money!

9. Drive Slower

Driving too fast is known to waste fuel. What’s more, it puts unnecessary wear and tear on your vehicle. Beyond inflating your gas bill, this will result in costly repairs and maintenance.

10. Use Cruise Control When Possible

There are all manual adjustments we make when driving, such as sudden stops and accelerations. By engaging cruise control whenever possible, you can conserve fuel and pay less at the pump.

11. Keep Your Tires Properly Inflated

When your vehicle’s tires are properly inflated, you decrease rolling resistance and consume less fuel. Of course, it can be difficult to gauge when your tires aren’t fully inflated, so make a habit of checking your tire pressure regularly!

12. Look into Alternative Fuels

Depending on where you live, there may be alternative fuels available such as E85 (85% ethanol). This is usually cheaper than regular unleaded fuel (around 15-20 cents cheaper per gallon) and can help reduce emissions as well!

13. Choose Higher Octane Ratings

Higher octane ratings typically burn cleaner than lower octane ratings do, so choose higher octane ratings whenever they are available at your local gas station. This will help reduce engine deposits over time, as well as improve performance and efficiency in vehicles that are equipped with Variable Valve Timing (VVT) systems!

14. Utilize Apps & Websites

Today, there are many apps and websites that allow you to compare local gas prices. Be sure to take advantage of them so that you don’t waste time driving around to find the best price!

What Are Some Other Ways to Save Money on Your Gas-Powered Car?

Beyond gas, there are a handful of ways to save money on car-related expenses:

Shopping for Auto Insurance

Auto insurance rates are constantly in flux, so it’s recommended that you shop around and compare quotes every six months. Here’s a list of sites to get free auto insurance quotes.

With Liberty Mutual, you can save big when bundling your auto policy with home, renters, and other types of insurance. Additionally, there are 13 discounts available to eligible drivers. Get a free quote now!

Save Money on Repairs

Cars are expensive to maintain. Rather than shelling out hundreds (or thousands!) of dollars when something breaks down, consider an extended warranty with Olive. You’ll pay a reasonable amount each month for coverage up to 185,000 miles. With their RepairPal tool, you’ll send your car to a local repair shop and Olive will pay the bill directly. Get a free quote today!

Refinancing Your Car

If you have an auto loan, you might be able to save a ton of money by refinancing it — the process of replacing your current loan with a new loan that has better terms and/or a lower interest rate.

Handwashing Your Car

Taking your car to the local car wash isn’t a huge expense, but it’s another opportunity for you to save money. Try handwashing instead — all you need is a hose, bucket, sponge, soap, towel, and of course, water!

What Are Some Alternatives to Gas-Powered Cars?

If you’re serious about saving money on gas, then you could potentially consider purchasing an electric or hybrid car. These cars typically cost more upfront than traditional gas-powered cars, but they can save you a lot of money on gas over time while reducing your carbon footprint.

How Much Can I Save by Driving a Fuel-Efficient Car?

The answer to this question depends on various factors, such as your driving habits, the make and model of your vehicle, and the current fuel prices in your area. However, in general, driving a fuel-efficient car can save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars a year on gas. According to the EPA, the annual fuel cost for the average new vehicle in 2021 was $1,650, while the cost for the most fuel-efficient vehicles ranged from $650 to $1,050.

Will Using Premium Gas Improve My Mileage?

No. Unless your car’s owner manual requires premium gas, using high-octane fuel will not improve your gas mileage or performance. In fact, it may even harm your engine and cause you to spend more money unnecessarily. Stick to the type of fuel recommended for your vehicle, and if you have doubts, ask a trusted mechanic.

Does Going to a Cheaper Gas Station Affect My Car’s Performance?

No. Gasoline in the United States must meet minimum quality standards to be sold, so regardless of where you buy gas, the fuel will always have the same performance-enhancing additives. You can save money by going to a no-frills gas station where service is not included, but this will not cause your vehicle to underperform.

Should I Always Fill Up My Tank or Just Add the Amount I Need?

It is generally better to fill up your tank when it is half-empty or less than to add a few bucks every time. There are several reasons for this. To start, gas pumps are designed to deliver fuel at their fastest rate when the tank is near empty. Also, keep in mind that every time you open your gas cap, some of the fuel in your tank evaporates. This ultimately means you’re losing money.

What’s the Best Day of the Week to Buy Gas?

There’s no one “best” day of the week to buy gas, but gas prices are typically lower earlier in the week (Monday – Wednesday) and higher later in the week (Thursday – Sunday). Gas prices are largely influenced by supply and demand, and there tends to be more demand for gas on the weekends.

Does Filling Up at Night Really Save Me Money?

Some argue that it does since fuel becomes denser when temperatures drop. In theory, filling up at night when temperatures are cooler could allow you to get more fuel for your money. However, this difference isn’t significant enough to go out of your way to fill up at night.