If you’ve been to the gas station lately, you’ve probably noticed prices are higher than you’d like. And when gas costs more, it affects different aspects of your daily life, such as:
- Your daily commute
- Childcare drop-offs and pickups
- Grocery and errand runs
- Income from gig work
For many people, even a $10–$20 increase in weekly gas spending can put real pressure on an already tight budget.
While you can’t control gas prices, there are practical ways to reduce their impact on you. Here are some pro tips.
Use Less Gas
Small changes to your driving habits can add up to meaningful savings over time.
Combine Trips
Rather than making separate runs, plan errands into a single loop. For example, pair your grocery run with a stop at the pharmacy. Short trips burn more fuel because your engine works harder before it fully warms up.
Avoid Idling
Letting your car run while parked wastes fuel. This includes sitting in school pickup lines or warming up the engine longer than needed. Turning off the engine when you’re stopped for more than a minute can save gas over time.
Use Cruise Control on Highways
Cruise control helps maintain a steady speed, which is more fuel-efficient than repeatedly accelerating and braking.
Remove Extra Weight From Your Car
Sports equipment, unused tools, and storage bins in your trunk reduce fuel efficiency. If it doesn’t need to be there, take it out.
Find the Cheapest Gas Near You
Gas prices can vary by 20–50 cents per gallon between stations in the same city. A few minutes of research before you fill up can pay off.
- Use Gas Price Apps: Apps such as Upside, GasBuddy, Google Maps (gas price feature), and Waze show local gas prices in real time. Check before you leave home to find the lowest price nearby (don’t drive too far or the savings won’t be worth it).
- Fill Up Earlier in the Week: Gas prices sometimes rise on Thursdays and Fridays as weekend travel picks up. Filling up Monday through Wednesday can save you a few cents per gallon.
- Try Warehouse Gas Stations: If you’re already a member at Costco or Sam’s Club, their stations often offer lower prices than nearby options.
Small Car Maintenance
A well-maintained car runs more efficiently and saves gas. These simple steps can help.
- Check Your Tire Pressure: Underinflated tires can reduce fuel efficiency by up to 3–5%. Many gas stations have free air pumps. It’s a quick, free fix.
- Keep Up With Oil Changes: Clean oil helps your engine run smoothly and efficiently.
- Replace Dirty Air Filters: A clogged air filter forces your engine to work harder. Replacing it when it’s due can improve fuel economy.
Extra Tips for Rideshare and Delivery Drivers
If you drive for income — Uber, Lyft, DoorDash, Instacart, higher gas prices hit your bottom line directly. These strategies can help protect your earnings.
- Track Gas as a Business Expense: Gas may be tax-deductible for gig work. Use a mileage-tracking app or an expense tracker to keep records throughout the year. This can reduce what you owe when tax season comes around.
- Drive During High-Demand Times: Higher demand means more ride requests and the potential for surge pricing. Peak times often include morning commute hours, evenings, weekends, and major local events.
- Choose Shorter Trips in Busy Areas: Dense neighborhoods mean less time driving without passengers and more frequent fares, making each gallon work harder for your income.
- Watch for Gas Discounts From Gig Platforms: Some rideshare and delivery platforms partner with gas stations or offer fuel discounts for drivers. You can also check out Saverperks partner, Upside for gas rewards.
Consider Fuel Rewards Programs
Several programs offer cash back or discounts at the pump:
- Upside cash back on gas purchases
- GasBuddy rewards program
- Grocery store fuel points (many chains offer these)
Even saving 10–20 cents per gallon adds up when you’re filling up regularly.
A Quick Reminder: Small Changes Add Up
When gas prices rise, no single strategy will make the cost disappear. But combining a few of these approaches, like planning your trips, comparing nearby gas prices, and keeping up with basic car maintenance, can meaningfully reduce what you spend each month.
And if you drive for income, being intentional about when and where you drive can help protect your earnings even when fuel costs are working against you.
