How To Save Money On Gas For Your Car
If you’re looking to save on gas, we’re going to show you some of the best ways to save money on gas.
June 25, 2021 in Life
Best ways to save money on gas
Drive at a consistent speed
The best way to save money on gas is to slow down. The harder you push that pedal, the more gas your engine is gulping. When the light turns green, gently depress your gas pedal until you hit the speed limit and avoid slamming on your brakes wherever possible. On the highway, stick to the speed limit or even a few kilometers below as slower speeds mean savings. If you’re going to be on the freeway for a while and it isn’t gridlocked, use your cruise control to maintain a constant speed. Slowing down and then speeding up burns more gas.
Stay aerodynamic
Roof racks are great if you’re traveling long distances with your family and have nowhere to put your stuff. If you don’t need the racks at the moment, though, remove them, as they create a lot of drag that drains your tank. If you like to use your trunk for your next garden stone project, be aware that the extra weight will also affect your gas mileage.
While using the air conditioning can suck up more fuel, it’s important to note that leaving your windows down on the highway creates more drag and your vehicle will use more fuel. Use the A/C on high speed road trips.
If you’re wondering how to save money on gas on a road trip, lighten your load and streamline your vehicle. Your bank account will thank you later.
Perform routine maintenance
Check your owner’s manual for how often it recommends changing your oil and stick to it. Have an oil change attendant check your air filter too, as a dirty one can cost you in gas mileage.
Keeping your car properly tuned, including changing spark plugs regularly, cuts down on gas. Don’t ignore that check engine light as it may be warning you about a gas consumption issue.
Check your tire pressure regularly, making sure it matches the recommended psi, which is usually on a chart on the inside of the driver’s side door. Rotating your tires at every oil change will not only help save your tires, but also it will alert you to any alignment issues you may have. Getting your tires properly aligned goes a long way to saving on gas.
Drive until your tank is close to empty
A lighter car is a more fuel-efficient car, so don’t fill up until you are under a quarter of a tank. Keep in mind that gas prices often go up on weekends and holidays, though, so factor that into when you fill up your tank if you’re looking to save on gas.
Use a rewards credit card that earns on gas purchases
Research credit cards that reward you for getting gas.
For example, the American Express® CobaltTM Card, allows Cardmembers to earn 2X points for every $1 spent on eligible transit and gas purchases in Canada1. Cards including the American Express® Gold Rewards is also a great option to help reward you for eligible transit and gas purchases.
Compare per litre prices
Using an app to check gas prices can help you save on gas by telling you where to find the cheapest gas in town. It also pays to see if a town you’re passing through has cheaper gas. If it’s cheaper another 30 minutes down the road and you have enough gas to get there, it might be wiser to wait. Planning ahead avoids frustrations and extra costs later.
1. You can earn Membership Rewards points for eligible consumer purchases at American Express retail merchants as follows: Earn 5 points for every $1 at (i) restaurant, quick service restaurant, coffee shop and drinking establishments in Canada, (ii) stand-alone grocery stores in Canada, (iii) delivery of food and groceries in Canada as a primary business, up to a combined maximum of $2,500 in net purchases posted to your account monthly on these categories. Once the maximum is reached, you will no longer earn at 5 points for every $1 regardless of credits, returns and adjustments. Earn 1 point for every $1 thereafter. Calculation resets to zero on the 1st of each month. Earn 3 points for every $1 on eligible streaming subscriptions at select providers in Canada. The current list of providers is available at americanexpress.ca/streaming. Purchases with merchants that are not on the list or that are on the list but bundled with another product or service or billed by a third party such as a digital platform or a cable, telecommunications or internet provider, or a car manufacturer, are not eligible. Earn 2 points for every $1 at or for (i) stand-alone automobile gasoline stations in Canada, (ii) local commuter transportation in Canada including subway, streetcar, taxi, limousine and ride sharing. Purchases at merchants where these categories are not their primary business such as general merchandise retailers do not qualify. Merchants are typically assigned codes and categorized based on what they sell. Earn rate of 1 point for every $1 applies when the merchant code is not in an eligible category, using a payment account or service of a third party, a card reader attached to a mobile phone, or online retailer that sells goods of other merchants, or the merchant category is otherwise not identified. Interest charges, annual fees, other fees and cash equivalent transactions are not purchases and do not qualify for Membership Rewards points.
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