Gas Price Survival Guide
Save thousands of dollars a year during record oil prices by following these five tips!
Only those living in a particularly remote cave haven't heard about the super high oil prices we have been experiencing lately.
Whether it is because of a cliched joke about being robbed at the pump, pundits arguing on the news, or your uncle Greg complaining at dinner, everyone knows that gas prices are high.
Several factors, such as high inflation, renewed transportation demand, and the war in Europe, have produced these record oil prices in 2022.
Road trips, back-to-office commutes, and weekend drives are on the horizon with summer coming. Here are five tips that will help you manage your gas expenses.
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1. Use the Upside App
I am shocked that I hadn't heard of this app sooner, but now that I know about it, I tell everyone who will listen!
Upside is a free app that will get you cashback offers from gas stations in your area. You can download it from the App Store or the Google Play store.
Once you download Upside and create an account, you can add the debit and credit cards that you plan to use at the pump.
From that point, getting your cashback is easy. Deals will show up in the app for gas stations near your location.
When you find the deal you want, all you have to do is claim the offer. After claiming, make your purchase within 4 hours. Once you've filled up, press "check in" on the app, select which card you used, and receive your cashback!
By this point, I am sure you can see why I am excited about this app — you get the combined convenience of comparing local gas prices in one place and receiving cashback offers.
These benefits stack up higher if you already get cashback for gas stations from your credit card.
For another 3% cashback at the gas station, check out the American Express Blue Cash Preferred. This card also has 6% cashback on groceries which is the highest I've come across in that category, making it one of my favorite credit cards.
The Upside app isn't strictly for gas stations— you will find offers on other local businesses like restaurants and grocery stores.
Upside can easily save you hundreds on fuel a year, so download the app for free and use my promo code 763EYM to get an extra $0.15 per gallon off your first purchase!
2. Adjust Your Driving Habits
Another easy way to start saving money on gas is to adjust your driving habits.
Certain things like speeding will make your car less fuel-efficient. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, slowing down by 5–10 MPH can increase your fuel efficiency by 7%-14%.
The speed at which most vehicles experience their optimal gas mileage is 55 MPH. Going the speed limit makes your gas effectively 7%-14% cheaper, a considerable discount.
In addition, hauling things on top of your car can drastically reduce gas mileage, as it creates drag and increases the weight of your vehicle.
The Energy Department says that gentle accelerating and braking, anticipating the road ahead, and obeying the speed limit can make you 10%-40% more fuel-efficient in start-and-stop traffic.
Besides fuel benefits, these things also lead to safer roadways, fewer accidents, and less expensive insurance. Who says good deeds go unrewarded?
3. Invest in a Fuel-Efficient Car
With electric and hybrid cars gaining popularity and many combustion models getting upwards of 40 MPG on the highway, now is a great time to drive a fuel-efficient vehicle.
If you are already in the market for a new car, consider gas mileage as part of the ongoing costs of driving that car. A Ford F150 pickup driver pays almost double in gas for what a Prius driver pays to go the same distance.
If you weren't actively in the market for a new car and your current vehicle isn't very fuel-efficient, consider swapping or downgrading.
With gas prices at these levels, you could easily save $500 a year or more just by switching to a fuel-efficient car.
Many models getting up to 40 MPG (think Toyota, Honda, and Hyundai) also have very affordable sticker prices, last a long time without significant issues, and are relatively cheap to maintain.
Downgrading can put cash in your pocket, save you money on gas, and also cost you less to maintain over the years.
4. Get a Tune-Up
When filling up hurts as much as it does, most people want to squeeze every mile out of their tank. One way to save on gas while making sure your car runs smoothly is to get a regular tune-up.
Many different mechanics and automotive chains will do a comprehensive checkup on your car. Ask the mechanics to fill and rotate your tires during your next oil change.
Rotating your tires prevents uneven wear, and symmetrical tires use less gas to drive. The same is true with air pressure—well-filled tires will use less gas to operate.
Getting a regular tune-up may cost $100–200 depending on where you go and what the mechanic works on, but this can save you even more in fuel efficiency (not to mention save you money on repairs and lengthen the lifespan of your vehicle).
It is best to take your car in for regular maintenance anyway, especially considering the oil prices we are facing in 2022.
5. Practice Alternatives to Driving
The last tip to save you money in this high-priced gas environment is to reduce driving.
As the weather gets better, consider walking, bike riding, or taking an electric scooter to nearby destinations instead of driving.
Consider using public transportation for part or all of your transportation needs. Public transport is generally more affordable than driving, can be very efficient depending on your location, and is more environmentally friendly.
Not everyone lives somewhere walkable or with reliable public transportation, and unfortunately, this is especially true in the United States.
If this is your situation, consider carpooling to where you need to go instead. Invite your coworkers or classmates to a group chat where you can organize the rides. Carpooling is a great way to save money on gas, reduce your carbon footprint, and build social connections.
If you enjoyed this article, here are some others you might like!
- Download the Upside app and get cashback on all of your gas purchases!
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