Coupon Queen: Tips to save money at the gas pumps

Tips to save money at the gas pumps.

When the gas price jumped up last week to $1.40/L, were you annoyed you didn’t get a chance to fill up your tank first?  One way people are saving money on gas is by filling up over the border.  But here are a few other tips:

1. Timing:  Avoid filling up your fuel tank in the mornings when gas prices tend to be higher at the pumps.
2. Technology:  Take advantage of apps available for your Smartphone or check a website that keeps track of gas prices.  There are apps that help you find cheap gas in your city, calculate the true cost of buying south of the border, track your mileage or even try to predict tomorrow’s gas price so you know if you should fill up.   A few out there:  Gas Buddy, Gas Runner, Tomorrow’s Gas Price Today, and Gas Hog.
3. Weight: Take “unjunk your trunk” literally and if it doesn’t need to be in the vehicle, take it out.   Carrying around extra weight reduces your fuel economy.  And while you are at it, remove roof racks when not in use because they create wind resistance which increases fuel consumption.
4. Regular vehicle maintenance: Not only does taking care of your vehicle help with a smoother ride but also better fuel consumption.
5. Harsh acceleration and braking: Aim for a smooth ride.  Quick starts and stops reduce fuel economy and increase the wear and tear on your vehicle.
6. Reduce idling time: Aim to idle only as long as it takes for your windows to clear when first starting your vehicle.  Then drive slowly and avoid rapid acceleration for the first few kilometres of your trip to allow it to warm up properly.
7. Limit use of air conditioner:  Open the windows or use the flow-through vents.  If you really need it, use the air conditioning only as long as you absolutely have to.
8. Tire Pressure: Check your tire pressure and maintain the recommended pressure for your tires.  Not only does this lengthen the life of the tires but it also helps with fuel efficiency because under-inflated tires cause fuel consumption to increase.
9. Watch your speed:  Driving the speed limit and using your cruise control will help save fuel by keeping your speed constant and in control.
10. Carpool: This is better for the environment and sharing the cost of gas is better for your wallet.

Ruby was a Coupon Queen even before coupon savings were trendy. Her passion for saving money is matched to her mission to help people learn to budget, save, and get out of debt by making smart buying choices.  She can be reached at buzzworthybudgets@gmail.com.

Photo credit:  canadianfinanceblog.com

Tags: fuel consumption, fuel savings, gas tips, save money