Budgeting for High Gas Prices: 8 Ways to Save on Gas

You’ve probably noticed the cost of gas quickly climbing since the spring. Due to the conflict in the Middle East, prices have surged, and it’s not just your gas budget that may be impacted. Groceries, utilities, and airfare often increase as businesses adjust to higher transportation and production costs.

These price spikes can make it harder to stick to your monthly budget and may force you to rethink your spending in other areas. For many of us, fuel is a non-negotiable expense. We still need to get to work, run errands, and take kids to school.

However, there are a few small adjustments you can make to reduce your gas costs and protect your budget.

1. Drive More Efficiently

Did you know that the way you drive can affect how much gas you use? Driving aggressively, like rapidly accelerating or slamming on the brakes, lowers your gas mileage by up to 30-40%.

Accelerate gradually when the light turns green and maintain a safe following distance from the car ahead. Use momentum to your advantage whenever possible. Steady driving reduces your fuel consumption and reduces wear and tear on your vehicle over time.

2. Slow Down

Observing the speed limit is the law, but it can also save you a surprising amount on gas. The faster you drive, the harder your engine has to work, especially at highway speeds.

According to Consumer Reports, slowing down by just 10 mph on the highway can significantly reduce fuel consumption, saving drivers hundreds of dollars annually. Driving at a consistent, moderate speed is one of the easiest ways to stretch your gas budget.

3. Avoid Idling

Another easy way to save gas is to turn off your engine when your car is parked. This includes situations like waiting to pick someone up, sitting in the school pickup line, or waiting in a parking lot.

Despite popular belief, restarting the car uses very little gas—only about 10 seconds’ worth of fuel. Meanwhile, idling can use up to a half-gallon of fuel per hour. Over time, those idle minutes add up to a lot of wasted money.

4. Combine Errands

If you frequently make multiple trips throughout the week, combining errands into a single outing can help you save both gas and time. Planning ahead helps prevent unnecessary driving and reduces the total number of miles you put on your vehicle.

Grouping errands also improves fuel efficiency because a warm engine runs more efficiently than a cold one. By completing several tasks in one trip, you save both time and gas. Consider mapping out your errands in advance to take the most efficient route.

5. Remove Heavy Items from Your Car

Many people unknowingly carry extra weight in their vehicles, like sports gear, tools, or boxes. While it may not seem like much, extra weight forces your engine to work harder and burn more fuel. An extra 100 pounds in your vehicle can reduce your fuel efficiency by about 1%.

If you have anything in your trunk that you don’t need for your daily driving, leave it at home. Consider roof racks and cargo carriers as well, as they can also reduce fuel efficiency.

6. Maintain Your Vehicle

Keeping your car in good condition is one of the most reliable ways to get better gas mileage and avoid expensive repairs down the road. A well-maintained vehicle runs more efficiently, which helps you get more out of every gallon.

Here are a few key maintenance tips to keep in mind:

• Keep your tires properly inflated. Low tire pressure makes your car work harder and use more fuel.

• Use the recommended grade of motor oil. Using the wrong oil wears down your engine faster and increases fuel consumption.

• Change air filters as needed. This helps your engine burn fuel more efficiently.

• Use cruise control on the highway. Maintaining a steady speed helps reduce unnecessary fuel use.

7. Use Loyalty Programs and Perks

While driving habits play a big role, don’t overlook opportunities to save at the pump through credit card rewards programs. Many credit cards offer cash back, points, or discounts on gas purchases. Check your card’s benefits to learn more about what you could earn.

Some gas stations also offer loyalty programs that can give you an extra discount per gallon or rewards to redeem later. Check with your local gas stations for available discounts or rewards.  Taking advantage of these programs can help offset higher fuel costs over time.

8. Shop Around for Gas Prices

Gas stations, even just a few blocks apart, can have wildly different prices. Consider using an app like GasBuddy or Waze to compare prices before you head out. Taking a few extra minutes to find a cheaper station before you fill up can help you save money and take fewer trips to the pump.

Take Control of Your Gas Spending

You may not be able to control gas prices, but you can control your fuel usage. You don’t have to apply all 8 tips at once, but even just a few of these changes can reduce your gas spending, even when prices are high.