I know we are all struggling with how to save money on gas right now. The prices are just ridiculous and I know we are hurting. I hate having to decide whether or not to visit relatives, take a vacation, or even just run out to the store without thinking about gas. I know we’ve had to reconsider how many times we go to visit our relatives and how many times I go out to the store. 
I’ve spent the morning trying to find some ways to save on gas. Here’s some that I have found.
*First off, there is a nifty website called GasBuddy. You can go to this website or get the GasBuddy application to find the cheapest gas in your area. Fantastic way to make sure you’re getting the lowest price around.
*Have your car serviced. A vehicle that is maintained properly will run better and give you better mileage, thus saving money on gas. Make sure your tires are inflated properly.
*Try to plan your trips out so you won’t have to do a lot of back and forth driving. Plan your routes to avoid heavily congested areas. This will prevent idling your car and a ton of wasted gas. If neccessary, use a GPS to find the shortest distance or a route away from busy areas.
*If possible, drive as little as you can. Look into sharing rides with friends or co-workers, or consider biking or walking if you are closeby a store. Wait and snag all the deals at once – don’t rush out for every single deal that is posted.
*Use your windows more and the AC less. I know it gets HOT, but on days when it’s not unbareable, try to use your windows.
Do you have any other tips on saving gas? How has the gas prices changed the way your family does things?
Tonya says
I only shop on Fridays for everything at the store unless I am right by the store I do not go. The savings I can get on groceries is not enough for me to go to the store more often.
Instead of taking my van we take Sam’s car most places unless we have all the kids or he is at work and I need to go somewhere.
I schedule two or more kids for their physicals/dental cleanings so I have less trips.
Online ordering from Amazon if it is close in price or cheaper than my local stores.
I slowly accelerate and use my cruise control on the interstate at the speed limit or a little below.
Empty out any excessive weight in the vehicle.
I read that you get more fuel early in the AM when it is cold outside. I don’t recall why though. Also it stated not to fill up your vehicle if the semi is there refilling the gas station.
Bridget says
I turn off my car instead of sitting there with it running when waiting in line to pick my kids up from school or other things. I also have begun going into the bank or restaurant instead of using the drive thru…it’s usually faster anyway!
Nicole S. says
Tonya…the reason you fill up in the am instead of the pm is because of gas vapors. Once the day warms up, so does the ground and tanks in which the gas is stored in and produces vapors. Therefore you are actually filling up your car with vapors instead of actual liquid fuel or so I have been told. Also when the tank is there it is pumping gas into the tank and stirring up the sediment that accumulates and none of us want that in our engines!
Sarah says
According to the Car Talk guys, using the AC is actually more fuel efficient, at least at moderate to high speeds, because of aerodynamics. At low (in-town) speeds the windows may save a modicum of gas. So don’t feel guilty using the AC on the highway! http://www.cartalk.com/content/columns/Archive/2008/September/06.html
Marivel says
Shopping @ Kroger really helps….the points add up! W/your Kroger card you get .03 off per gallon, but if you have 100 pts on the card, that’s .10 off per gallon! Also there reg. prices run about the same same as QT & Racetrac.
suki says
I find that we get best fuel efficiency in our old clunker when I drive as if it had no brakes. This means that I accelerate slowly, anticipate stops, and drive well under the speed limit. I try never to be in a hurry. It may take 5 more minutes to get there but we save about 20%, I think. Plus, I half fill the tank.
By the way, love your blog!