Gas Prices Aren't Falling Fast Enough. 15 Ways to Save Now (2024)

If prices at the pump make your eyes bulge, there’s good news and bad news. The good news is gas prices are down from the record highs they reached in June 2022 when they topped $5 per gallon. The bad news? They’re still too steep for many people’s wallets.

In a recent CNET survey, 54% of respondents said gas gives them the biggest “sticker shock” right now (second only to groceries). Thanks to inflation, the average cost of regular gas in the US is currently $3.45 per gallon -- but in plenty of states, it costs even more. In my home state of Washington, it’s an average of $4.33 per gallon, and in California, it’s $4.82 per gallon. While these numbers may drop a bit over the summer, that can still put a big strain on your budget.

You can’t control gas prices, but you can cut down on how much you spend to fuel up. Here’s how.

Compare prices

Prices vary from gas station to gas station, so it pays to look at several options. Use apps like GasBuddy and Gas Guru to compare prices at nearby stations and go for the cheapest one.

Pay with cash

Many gas stations charge a processing fee -- typically five to 10 cents per gallon -- if you pay with a credit or debit card. Paying with cash is an easy way to avoid this added cost.

Fill up early in the week

Gas prices tend to change from day to day. In most states, the cheapest day to buy gas is earlier in the week -- from Sunday to Tuesday -- according to data from GasBuddy.

Combine errands

Run errands efficiently. Instead of taking multiple trips, hit several stops in one trip. Choosing the right timing for errands also helps. If you get stuck in rush-hour traffic, you’ll sit in the car longer and use more gas.

Map out fuel-efficient routes

Fuel efficiency varies depending on traffic, simplicity of the route and road conditions. Choosing the most fuel-efficient route -- especially if it’s one you drive regularly -- can reduce how much gas you use over time. Google Maps has a feature that evaluates fuel efficiency so you can choose the route that consumes the least gas.

Sign up for a fuel rewards program

Many grocery stores offer fuel rewards programs. For example, Kroger pays 1 point for every dollar spent at its stores. You can redeem 100 points for 10 cents off per gallon at Kroger/Fred Meyer gas stations. Other major grocery stores with fuel rewards programs include Safeway, Stop & Shop and Piggly Wiggly.

Join a membership club

Many membership clubs -- including Costco, Sam’s Club and BJ’s -- have their own fuel stations with discounted prices. You usually pay a membership fee to join the club and use their stations, but the savings could be worth it.

Don’t drive aggressively

Learning to drive differently can boost your highway gas mileage by 15% to 30% and your city mileage by 10% to 40%, according to the US Department of Energy. Stay safer and reduce your gas consumption by:

• Accelerating slowly
• Maintaining a steady speed
• Leaving plenty of space between vehicles
• Braking gently
• Avoiding idling
• Shifting gears strategically
• Using cruise control for longer trips

Skip premium gas

Premium gas can cost over 50 cents more per gallon than regular gas. If your car is designed to run on regular gas, it won’t perform any better on premium, so the splurge isn’t worth it.

Lighten your load

Every extra 100 pounds you carry or tow can boost your gas costs by up to 3 cents per gallon, according to the DOE. So, remove extra items from your vehicle and unhitch your trailer when you’re not using it.

Keep up with regular maintenance

Your car will get its best gas mileage if you take care of it. Change your oil regularly -- using the manufacturer’s recommended motor oil -- and replace the air filter every 15,000 to 30,000 miles to help your car run more efficiently and cut back on gas costs.

Check your tire pressure

Underinflated tires can cause drag as you drive, so your car needs to work harder. Keeping your tires properly inflated can increase fuel efficiency by up to 3.3%, according to the DOE.

Cool your car smartly

Using your car’s air conditioning can increase fuel consumption by more than 25%, according to the DOE. That said, rolling down your windows creates wind resistance, which can also reduce fuel efficiency. If you’re choosing between using AC and rolling down your windows, the best option depends on how fast you’re driving.

Buy discounted gift cards

You can purchase discounted gift cards on sites like CardCash and Gift Card Granny. Look for gift cards to your gas station of choice as well as other local stations.

Find other ways to get around

There are plenty of ways to get from point A to point B besides hopping in your car. If you’re going somewhere nearby, try walking, biking or even investing in a moped. For farther destinations, consider public transportation or carpooling with co-workers.