7 Proven Gas Saving Hacks That Cut Costs: No Gimmicks, Just Results

Summer road trips are just around the corner, and with them comes the need for more frequent stops at the gas pump. While gas prices are lower than they were at this time last year, having dropped from $3.486 to $3.226 on average. They’re also well below where they were at their peak back in 2022, when gas prices reached national averages of almost $5.

Still, everyone wants to save on gas when they can. Fortunately, there are some steps that you can take to save money at the pump. Keep reading to find out more about how you can keep more of your money in your pocket so you can enjoy your summertime road trip.

Lighten Your Load: Shed Unnecessary Weight

Auto manufacturers are meticulous about optimizing vehicles when it comes to weight and aerodynamics. That means that overpacking can have a negative impact on your vehicle’s fuel efficiency. According to studies, every additional 100 pounds reduces fuel efficiency by around 1%, which comes to around 0.03 per gallon.

Removing excess weight is an easy way to reduce gas consumption. If you own an SUV or a crossover with a removable third row of seats, take it out when it’s not in use. Even items that are stored in your trunk, such as tools, chains, or other heavy pieces of equipment, can hurt your fuel mileage. When it comes to gas saving tips, reducing your load is one of the easiest and most effective.

Optimize Aerodynamics: Ditch Roof Loads

Roof racks and cargo carriers are great for convenience, but they’re terrible for your fuel mileage. A roof-mounted cargo box can reduce fuel economy by as much as 25% by making your vehicle less aerodynamic. When you crunch the numbers, that 25% reduction is the equivalent of paying an extra .50 cents per gallon at the pump.

If you’re packing for a trip and have to have some extra storage space, consider investing in a rear-mounted hitch carrier. This allows you to pack your luggage in a secure box without destroying your aerodynamics. Even seemingly minor features like roof racks and cross bars can add drag and reduce fuel performance. Removing or lowering these features when they’re not in use can save you some money over time by making it easier for your vehicle to pass through the wind.

Don’t Idle: Use Auto-Stop or Turn Off the Engine

Many modern vehicles come with an automatic stop-start feature that shuts down the engine when you’re sitting at a red light or stuck in traffic. If your vehicle has this feature, use it! It’s tempting to disarm this feature because it’s something you’re not used to, but by shutting down the engine when you’re not in motion, you can save gas, especially if you’re a frequent driver. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, idling for more than 10 seconds consumes more fuel than starting your engine.

Even if your vehicle doesn’t have this automatic shutoff feature, it’s smart to shut off your engine when you’re waiting for long periods. This includes school pickup lines, curbside food pickups, and extended stops in road construction. Avoiding unnecessary idling is even more important during the winter when fuel consumption is even higher.

Drive Smart: Coast, Anticipate, and Slow Down

If you’ve ever watched auto racing of any kind, you’ve probably heard drivers talk about the importance of saving fuel. They do this by controlling their speed, coasting, and utilizing other fuel-saving techniques. While you’re not in a race, you can adjust your driving style to save some fuel. According to studies, aggressive driving can reduce your gas mileage by up to 30% on highways and 40% in stop-and-go traffic.

Try to adopt a smoother driving style. Anticipate stops so you can coast instead of slamming on the brakes. Try to drive at a consistent speed when you can, and avoid unnecessary lane changes that force you to accelerate quickly. Consider using cruise control on the open highway to help you maintain an even pace and avoid accidental speeding.

Keep Tires Properly Inflated

You may not think that tire pressure and fuel economy go together, but one directly impacts the other. Tires that are underinflated increase rolling resistance, which forces your engine to work harder to keep the vehicle moving. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), proper tire inflation can improve fuel efficiency by as much as 3%.

Check your tire pressure at least once a month and before you go on a long trip. Even if your vehicle has a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), it’s a good idea to manually check your tire pressure with a quality tire gauge. Also, be sure that you’re having your tires rotated regularly and replace them when they become too worn. Not only is poor traction unsafe, but it also diminishes your gas mileage.

Shop Around: Use Fuel Price Tracking Tools

Not all gas stations charge the same amount, even if they’re in the same neighborhood. Multiple factors go into a station’s pricing, so it’s a good idea to shop around if you want to save money at the pump. Thanks to apps like GasBuddy, Gas Guru, and Waze, you don’t have to drive from one station to the next looking for the best price. Instead, you can find the cheapest option based on your current location. Over a year, these savings can really add up.

Many stations also offer loyalty programs or partner with grocery stores to reduce fuel costs even further. Signing up for a rewards card or utilizing cash back on your credit card can help you save at the pump, too. Stores like Sam’s Club and Costco often offer prices that are anywhere from 5% to 15% cheaper than local competitors. Sometimes saving money at the pump is as easy as finding the right gas pumps to use.

Combine Trips & Be Efficient

Engines use more fuel when they’re cold, which means multiple short trips can bring your fuel economy down. That’s why it makes sense to group your errands together whenever you can. Instead of running three short errands on different days of the week, try to knock out those small tasks on the same day so you can keep driving while the engine is warmed up.

If possible, plan your route to avoid backtracking, and try to travel during off-peak hours to avoid getting caught in heavy traffic. Consider combining work commutes with grocery runs, and running to the post office when you need to go to the pharmacy. When you can condense your trips, you can save some gas, and saving gas means you’re saving money.