Gas prices are among the most significant ongoing costs for today’s vehicle owners. They can fluctuate daily and vary widely from state to state, making it hard to know whether you’re getting the best deal. To help, we’ve assembled expert-backed articles and tips for boosting your fuel efficiency, gathered useful resources for tracking the best fuel prices locally and nationally, and included a handy search tool for fuel-economy estimates from the U.S. Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency. Let’s get rolling.
Fuel Economy Search
⛽ Fuel Economy Results
Smart Fuel Savings Strategies
Driving Habits That Save Fuel
Drive Smoothly
Avoid rapid acceleration and hard braking. Smooth, gradual speed changes can improve fuel economy by up to 40% in stop-and-go traffic.
Maintain Steady Speed
Use cruise control on highways to maintain consistent speed. Each 5 mph over 50 mph reduces fuel economy like paying an extra $0.30 per gallon.
Reduce Idle Time
Turn off your engine if you’ll be stopped for more than 60 seconds. Idling wastes fuel and costs you money without moving an inch.
Lighten Your Load
Remove unnecessary items from your vehicle. Every extra 100 pounds can reduce fuel economy by up to 2% depending on vehicle size.
Keep Your Vehicle in Top Shape
- ✓ Check tire pressure monthly – Properly inflated tires can improve gas mileage by up to 3%
- ✓ Replace air filters regularly – A clean air filter can improve acceleration and protect your engine
- ✓ Use recommended motor oil – The right grade reduces friction and can improve fuel economy by 1-2%
- ✓ Get regular tune-ups – A well-maintained engine runs more efficiently and saves fuel
- ✓ Fix oxygen sensor issues – A faulty sensor can reduce mileage by up to 40%
Find the Best Gas Prices
Use Price Apps
Download gas price tracking apps to compare local stations in real-time. Many offer user-reported prices updated within the hour.
Fill Up Early Week
Gas prices typically rise on Thursdays and peak on weekends. Monday through Wednesday often offers the lowest prices of the week.
Join Loyalty Programs
Sign up for station rewards programs and use affiliated credit cards. Many offer 5-10 cents per gallon in savings or cashback.
Consider Warehouse Clubs
Membership warehouse stores often sell gas at lower prices than traditional stations. The savings can quickly offset membership costs.
💡 Pro Tip: Plan Your Routes
Combine errands into one trip and plan the most efficient route. Multiple short trips from a cold start can use twice as much fuel as a single trip covering the same distance. Apps with real-time traffic can help you avoid congestion and save fuel.
