zip code

Photo credit: Open Travel Info

I growl every time I have to get gas lately.  It’s creeping back up to $4 per gallon again.  That’s two gallons of milk (or one if you live in Florida – I can’t believe milk is sooo expensive there!).

I was searching for ways to save money on gas, and here’s my favorites.  There were many suggestions I left off the list, such as living near a bus stop or riding your bike to work, because I figure you either live near a bus stop or you don’t; there isn’t much you can do to change that situation.  And you either are within biking distance to work or you aren’t.   So things outside of your immediate control or no-brainers I left off to cut down to the ones that I think are more relevant.  These are in no particular order:

1. Tighten the gas cap: Gas does evaporate.  I’ve had friends who had missing gas caps and didn’t care. Who knows how much $$$ in fuel evaporates from their car each day!
2. Fill up your tank when you are near empty: Well, this one is tricky.  Supposedly, your car is lighter when it has less fuel, thus it uses less fuel to run. So it is good for your car to have less fuel in it.  But I was always taught not to let the tank get under 1/4 full, so if there is an emergency and you need to go somewhere quick you have gas to get there.  What do you think?
3. Gas Prices While Traveling: Type in your zip code at GasBuddy.com to find out the cheapest gas station near you.
4. Memberships, memberships, memberships: Sam’s Club, Kroger stores, and many other stores offer some pretty good discounts, around $.10 per gallon, if you are a member.  I specifically wait to go shopping to Smith’s until I need to fill up, so I can fill up while I am there – they go up to $1 off per gallon!
5. Car Check-up: Replacing that old air filter could save you as much as 10% in gas!  Make sure your engine is tuned up.
6. Shade: Park your car in shade or get a good window covering.  The cooler it is in the summer, the less A/C you will have to use!
7. Call ahead: Certain stores, like Target, will put items on hold for you.  If you’re looking for a hot coupon deal, don’t drive all over town finding it in-stock at your local Target – call ahead first and if they have it, tell them to put it on hold.
8. Time Your Trips: Traveling during non-peak hours will reduce your time spent in traffic.
9. Combine Trips: I already do this – and I route the quickest ways from point A to B to C.
10. Bye-bye Off Roading: Ouch! Traveling on dirt or non-paved roads can reduce your mileage by up to 30%!!!

Gas saving tips 11-20!

Ask CCD Readers: How do you save money on gasoline?

Thanks to Tree Hugger.com and Open Travel Info for some of their suggestions!