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When gas prices rise, most drivers feel helpless. We all need gas to keep our cars running—it’s not one of those things we can’t exactly choose to go without this week. But what if we could have a say in how much money we wanted to save at the pump?
Instead of dreaming of an electric car, let’s be realistic:
- Gas prices tend to go up a few cents on the weekends. To maximize the pennies you can save, only buy gas on Wednesday or Thursday. Stay away from gas stations found along major highways since these will be more expensive. Also avoid stations that are so far out of the way that their cost goes up due to a longer delivery. Check sites or use phone apps that allow you to find the cheapest gas in your area. If it’s out of your way, ask yourself if you’ll really be saving by burning the extra gas to get there.
- Lose weight. Maybe not the weight you’ve put on, although losing that may help, but the extra weight you’re carrying around in the trunk means your car is burning more fuel. You should also limit your driving and plan errands accordingly.
- Turn off your engine while you’re sitting in the drive-thru. It’s a myth that your car burns more gas upon restarting than if you simply turned it off.
- Keep your car maintained. A healthy car will run more efficiently and offer better mileage.
Remember to fill your tank up completely instead of wasting trips to the station for mini-fills. The money you save will start to add up sooner than you think.
