Yahoo Finance How to Cut Your Costs at the Pump
If you have a summer road trip planned, then you might be paying close attention to fluctuating gas prices. While they are relatively low, averaging $2.71 per gallon compared to almost a dollar higher at this time last year, according to AAA, they have been rising lately and prices vary widely based on location. California drivers can expect to pay around $3.81 per gallon, for example, while Alabama drivers fork over around $2.49 per gallon.
You might not be able to help where you live, but you can take steps to reduce what you pay to fill up your tank, reduce your need for gas by driving less and make sure your car runs as efficiently as possible. Here are 10 ways to pay less at the pump this summer:
1. Clean out the trunk.
Using the trunk of your car as a storage unit makes your car work harder to get around. The Energy Department reports that every extra 100 pounds a vehicle carries reduces its fuel efficiency by 1 percent. (The smaller the car, the bigger the percentage.) It might be convenient to store strollers, mulch and other heavy items in the back of your car, especially if you have a small home, but it means you're paying more for gas.
2. Drive with friends.
Coordinating your work commute with co-workers or neighbors means splitting the gas bill and maintenance costs. It's easy to find rides through carpooling websites such as RideSearch.com and eRideShare.com. If you value your alone time, pack headphones.
3. Shop around.
Prices vary by location, so use apps or websites to comparison shop before deciding where to fill up. You can look up local price comparisons at GasBuddy.com. Sometimes, driving just a few blocks out of your way can lead to a lower price. Just take care not to burn up so much gas getting to the new location that the price difference isn't worth the trip.
4. Go aerodynamic.
Making small adjustments to your car's silhouette can reduce drag and make it easier for your car to move forward. Removing luggage racks and rolling up windows are two simple fixes. The Energy Department reports that a large roof-top carrier can reduce fuel efficiency by as much as 25 percent on highways. For city driving, the drag reduces efficiency by about 2 to 8 percent.
5. Take advantage of rewards.
As long as you're not carrying debt and paying high interest rates, you can take advantage of gas rewards cards that offer cash back and other incentives. Use comparison websites such as CreditCards.com or NerdWallet.com to shop around and find the best card for you.
6. Reduce horsepower.
Cars with four-cylinder engines might be flashy, but these days it's also cool to be green. Plus, cars with less horsepower use less gas, and they also tend to be cheaper. If you drive enough, then buying a hybrid vehicle can pay off with lower gas bills.
7. Get a checkup.
Pumping up tires, replacing clogged air filters and otherwise keeping your vehicle in top shape can ensure your car runs smoothly. According to the Energy Department, fixing a car that is "noticeably out of tune" or has failed an emissions test improves its gas mileage by 4 percent on average. Inflating tires to the appropriate pressure improves gas mileage by 3.3 percent. (For more tips and fun statistics, check out fueleconomy.gov.)
8. Feel the breeze.
U.S. News blogger and WiseBread columnist Sabah Karimi recommends skipping the air conditioning this summer, even if it means working up a bit of a sweat on the road. She says opening the windows, wearing lightweight clothing and even sipping hot beverages can help keep you cool. (It sounds counterintuitive, but it really does work!) Also, try to park in the shade whenever possible.
9. Plan a better route.
If you take a traffic-free, more direct path, then you're traveling fewer miles and burning less gas as a result. Karimi suggests using a smartphone app like Waze, which tracks traffic, closures and accidents, so you can steer clear of them and reach your destination sooner -- and with more gas left in the tank.
10. Walk (or bike) instead.
Skipping the car altogether will reduce your gas bill, and you'll simultaneously benefit the environment and your waistline. If your city has a bike share program, then you can change your mode of transportation even more easily. Public transportation is another cheaper, and more environmentally friendly, option.
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