When it comes to gas prices, we’re all feeling the crunch. Fortunately, you can fight back by being a bit more strategic about when, where and how you fill ’er up. While many of us know some of the basics of good fuel economy—like keeping your tires properly inflated, staying up on car maintenance, ditching excess cargo—adopting these lesser-known gas- (and cash-) saving strategies won’t hurt.
1. Schedule Your Gas Run
Wednesday is typically the best day to fill up for less, says automotive expert Lauren Fix. “Prices tend to rise on Thursdays in anticipation of weekend travel,” she explains. In fact, a recent study by the St. Louis Federal Reserve found that refueling on a Tuesday or Wednesday instead of the weekend saved 8 cents to 9 cents a gallon—saving you more than $60 per year. It also pays to fill up early. “Station owners tend to hike prices after 9 a.m. or so, once they’ve had time to check the competition.”
2. Don’t Top It Off
That extra squeeze may round out your purchase price, but it’s also likely to splash out or evaporate, along with your hard-earned cash, notes Fix. Stop pumping when you hear the first click. Remember to screw the gas cap back until it clicks, too, so none of your fuel escapes as fumes. “About 17 percent of vehicles on the road have loose, damaged or missing gas caps, causing 147 million gallons of gas to vaporize every year,” says Fix.
3. Pay With Cash
Most of us use plastic at the pump, but carrying cash can save you as much as 10 cents to 15 cents a gallon, says GasBuddy. (Some stations charge less when you pay cash because they save on credit card fees.)
4. Use Loyalty Programs
If you must charge it, consider getting a card that rewards you for buying gas. Meanwhile, see if the station you visit the most offers a rewards or loyalty card. Some grocery store loyalty programs also offer gas rewards—you earn points buying groceries, then redeem for gas. Or check out gift-card resale sites. You may be able to score a gas card worth say $100 for $90, yielding $10 in free gas.
5. Follow The 10-second Rule
Whether you’re picking up a slowpoke or waiting at the drive-through, turn off the engine if your wait is longer than 10 seconds. Idling drains your tank by a quarter- to a half-gallon of fuel per hour, whereas restarting only sips 10 seconds worth of gas, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Even in winter, there’s no need to sit in your driveway “warming up” the engine. Most manufacturers recommend driving off gently after half a minute.
6. Let Your Fingers Do The Driving
No more wasting fuel driving around in search of the lowest price. Log on to GEICO’s gas station locator before you leave to pinpoint the best deals along your route, or access it on the go from the GEICO Mobile app to see real-time prices nearby.
Want to cut the cost of car ownership even more? Find out how much cash you could stash just by getting a cheaper car insurance policy. Get a fast free auto insurance quote from GEICO.
Read more: 5 Ways to Increase Your Mileage
By Julia Califano
sabas says,
great tips
Linda Null says,
Thanks
Mahesh Patel says,
Good knowing from GEICO how to save gas, Thanks to GEICO for suggestions !!
Loretta B says,
What great tips for saving and driving smart.
Thanks, GEICO.
Mark Andrew Banks says,
I didnt know about save gas for my car insurance
Anne Knight says,
Interesting tips on new strategies for saving gas cost. “Dimes” add up to “Dollars”.
Guadalupe says,
Thanks for the info. I will fill up my tank on Tu esday or Wednesday.
Alice Irizarry says,
Oh, what an opportunity. I want the stickers from the back of the RV in the GEICO ad. How can I get them. The moose, especially. Oh, my gosh, it is the funniest ad I have ever seen. Each time, I get another round of giggles. Thanks to whoever does GEICO ads.
Bruce says,
I have been a Geico customer for over 12 years. I have found their service to above average in every situation I have had. Thank you Geico for making my insurance needs a lot simpler
Clinton Yarbrough says,
Great suggestions. GEICO is a great insurance company. They are professional, courteous and provide superior service. I am glad I switched to Geico years ago.
Keep up the good work Geico
Clara Jules says,
Good to know
Essie Goodson says,
good news
Savata Jainarine says,
Very helpful tips good to know ?
Ana Cortez says,
good advice
Sheila Burnett says,
I have had Geico for a few years now and I Love having Insurance with them as well as my Husband. I bought me a New Car with 6 miles on it back in 2015 and I’m just about ready to hit the 30,000 Miles Mark, I keep my Car FUEL at all times even when traveling to south Florida to visit my Family Member just as soon as I hit the 1/2 mark I stop and Fill my Car back up which I have done since Buying the Car… I get GREAT GAS MILEAGE when Traveling as well so going down South I will stop and Top off my Gas Tank and I can Drive 3 1/2 hrs to my Families and Dive all around while there and I only use 3/4 of a Tank which I personally think is pretty Awesome.. Thanks for the Great Tips which I always follow and will continue doing so. I need AIR in my Tires right now so Thank You again….
Sheila Burnett says,
Sorry I Keep My CAR FULL OF GAS AT ALL TIMES!!