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As fuel costs rise, you may be wondering what you can do to save money at the pump. The good news is that you don’t need to go to any extremes like financing a new car. By refining your habits, you can save a few extra cents per gallon, leading to greater savings over time.

All it takes is a few adjustments to your driving habits, routine vehicle maintenance, and keeping an eye out for loyalty and rewards programs offered by store chains or even your own credit card servicer.

Here are a few gas-saving tips you can incorporate into your routine now to stretch every gallon and dollar even further.

Drive Smarter: Tweak Everyday Habits and Improve Gas Mileage

Improving your gas mileage starts with your driving habits. Think of it like learning a new skill. By learning and reinforcing the fundamentals, you will find it easier to maximize your fuel economy with little effort.

The U.S. Department of Energy has an informative article on simple driving practices that lead to tangible gas savings. They recommend avoiding habits that would be considered aggressive driving: speeding, rapid acceleration, and abrupt braking. Not only are these practices potentially unsafe, but they also negatively impact a vehicle’s fuel economy.

On top of that, aggressive driving can put unnecessary strain on an automobile’s parts and systems, leading to expensive mechanical failures or more frequent maintenance.

One of the easiest ways to adopt more gas-friendly driving habits is to pay attention to the posted speed limit. The Department of Energy reports that gas mileage decreases rapidly at speeds above 50 miles per hour. Therefore, easing up on the accelerator and following posted speed limits are practical first steps.

Next, consider how aerodynamics and weight could affect your fuel economy. The heavier your vehicle is, the more power it must exert to move. This can result in burning more fuel than necessary. When driving, carry only what you need for the trip and leave everything else at home.

How you haul your stuff during a trip matters too. The report also notes that roof-mounted cargo boxes on cars tend to increase drag and reduce fuel economy. If possible, try using rear-mounted cargo solutions for extra room. Also, remove any external cargo containers when not in use, as the extra weight does make a difference.

Finally, carefully consider how often and how long you idle your engine. An idling car burns up to half a gallon of fuel per hour.

Turning on your engine but not moving your vehicle is a lot like burning money in real time. Make sure you’re ready to move once you rev up your vehicle and turn off the engine when parked. For more information on how you can reduce engine idling, check out this resource from the Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy.

Maintain Your Vehicle for Better Fuel Efficiency

Routine vehicle maintenance plays a vital part in how well your car uses fuel. Automobiles are comprised of many moving parts and systems, which also means they must be checked regularly to ensure good performance.

Here’s how to get started on a good auto maintenance routine:

• Check tire pressure regularly: Every week or so, check the tire pressure and ensure your tires are inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended rating. Tire pressure does more than uphold fuel economy. It’s also important for a car’s handling and safety.
• Stay current on oil changes: Schedule oil maintenance with a mechanic at the intervals specified by your manufacturer. Motor oil is essential for the smooth operation of a gas-powered engine. Dirty oil causes premature wear and can affect gas mileage.
• Replace air filters when needed: Clogged air filters limit airflow to the engine, decreasing performance. You can usually replace your air filters at about the same time you get an oil change. However, you can also check the filters regularly and clean off any excess dirt.

As an old saying goes, “Schedule the maintenance or the maintenance will be scheduled for you.” Keeping your vehicle in good shape can prevent wasted gas and even costlier repairs.

Shop Strategically: Loyalty Programs and Gas Apps

Shopping for gas is a lot like shopping for groceries. Sometimes, you’ll have to compare similar items and determine which places are offering the best deals at the time. If you have the time to spare, doing some quick research in the area or participating in certain loyalty programs can help you save at the pump.

Many gas station chains offer loyalty programs that let you save a few more cents per gallon when you choose their services. They do this to encourage repeat business. If you have a gas station you fill up at regularly, it may be worthwhile to sign up for its loyalty program if it has one.

Your favorite grocery store may also have partnerships with some gas stations. Check with your local supermarket to see if they have any programs that let you save money on gas.

Wholesale clubs, such as Costco and BJ’s Wholesale Club, may also include competitively priced gas stations. Consider signing up for membership to access additional gas savings.

You can also use apps that find and compare gas prices in your surrounding area. Phone apps like Waze and GasBuddy® offer features that help you find the lowest gas prices where you live.

Take Advantage of Your Credit Card Rewards Program

If you like to use your credit card to make everyday purchases, then you may have a valuable resource at your disposal. Some credit cards also include a rewards program that allows users to gain benefits on qualifying purchases.

You can use your credit card’s rewards program strategically to help you pay for travel and gas.

A rewards credit card can help reduce your overall spending. Qualifying purchases accumulate points, which can be redeemed for other perks like:

• Cash back
• Gift cards
• Statement credit

The points you save can ultimately save you money, too. It is always a good idea to use these resources so you get the most from your available benefits. If you’re curious about how a program like this can improve your everyday spending, we recommend checking out First Florida’s Diamond Rewards Visa® credit card.

When using a credit card’s rewards program, it’s equally important to maintain sustainable usage habits. Always remember to pay your credit card balance in full each month to minimize interest charges. By doing this, you can maintain a healthy credit score while reducing your fuel costs.

Stretch Every Mile To Save Money

Improving your gas mileage is as simple as making small, gradual adjustments over time. Easing into habits you can adopt now is a great way to get started. By incorporating smart driving habits, proactive maintenance, and more mindful spending, you can reduce your fuel costs in practical ways.

First Florida makes it easier to practice financial habits that you can use in your daily life. For more tips on how to save money while owning an automobile, check out our Featured Articles.