articles_gassavings

Smart Ways to Save Money on Gas
By Laura Rowley

Research Your Pump Options
When it comes to comparison shopping for gas, the Internet is your best friend. Sites such as MSN Autos allow you to enter your ZIP code to see what local stations are charging, as well as to check local traffic.

If you're on the road steer clear of affluent areas, where customers are generally less price sensitive. Stations adjacent to major freeways also tend to be more expensive than those a few blocks away.

Discount warehouse clubs such as Costco, and Sam's Club have gas stations across the country, and their prices typically beat independent operators. But factor in the cost of your annual membership when analyzing the savings.

When you do fill your tank, buy the lowest (and cheapest) octane of gasoline. As long as the engine runs quietly -- no knocking or pinging -- regular unleaded should be fine. Just double-check your car's owners manual for the manufacturer's fuel recommendation. And don't top off your tank, otherwise you might end up paying for fuel that spills or dribbles back into the station's tanks.

Drive to Conserve
You can improve your car's fuel economy just by adjusting some of your driving habits and performing basic maintenance.

Take it easy. Accelerate smoothly and decelerate and brake gently. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, driving aggressively can lower gas mileage by 33 percent on the highway and 5 percent around town.

Also drive within the speed limit, especially on the highway, and use cruise control whenever possible. The Energy Department suggests that each 5 miles per hour you drive over 60 mph is equivalent to paying an additional 20 cents per gallon for gas.

Avoiding excessive idling can also save a bundle. In one test, drivers drove a 10-mile route, stopping 10 times for two minutes each, and then repeated the route without stopping. Driving straight through saved up to 19 percent on gasoline. If you expect to be idling for more than a minute, shut off the engine.

As for maintenance, schedule regular engine tune-ups and make sure your tires are inflated to the recommended pressure. Meanwhile, lighten up! According to the Department of Energy, an extra 100 pounds in your vehicle could reduce your miles per gallon by up to 2 percent.

Make Money at the Pump
Finally, consider a credit card that offers cash back on fuel purchases. The web site PumpAndSave.com lists some of the best gas cash-back credit cards as chosen by gas consumers and car owners.

With gas prices so high, getting 5 percent back on pump purchases can add up to real money. But make sure you're disciplined enough to pay the balance on time and in full every month, because that 5 percent rebate will be eaten up immediately in late fees and interest payments if you don't.