How To Save Money At The Gas Pump This Summer

The price for a gallon of regular gasoline has hit an all-time high, at a national average of $5.00 a gallon. What can you do to save money at the gas pump this summer? Here are a few ways to ease the strain on your wallet and make your car more efficient for summer driving. 

Use less gas

The fastest way to spend less on gas is to buy less gas. This means cutting the amount of driving you do on a daily basis by trimming unnecessary drives around town and grouping errands together into one trip. Consider spacing out grocery and other shopping trips and traveling for pleasure to destinations closer to home. The saved gallons will add up over time and reduce your monthly gas bill considerably. 

Compare gas prices 

Gas prices can vary widely even in the same town. Use an App to plan ahead and find the best gas prices near you. GasBuddy, AAA, Gas Guru, and even Google Maps or Waze can help you find a better price per gallon and show directions on how to get there. 

Consider how you pay

Some credit cards offer cash back or a discount on gas purchases, and many chain gas stations and even grocery stores offer membership discounts. Make sure you've signed up for rewards programs where you buy gas, so you can get the biggest discount possible. 

Opt for regular gasoline instead of premium when possible

Most vehicles are built to use regular gas. Drivers who choose premium types of gasoline will pay much more per gallon than those who fill up with regular gas. If your vehicle can accommodate regular gas, consider using regular to cut your gas bill for the summer. 

Slow down!

Keeping speeds under 75 MPH is much more efficient when driving on the highway, and reducing your speed even further to 65 can increase fuel economy by as much as 15 to 20 percent. In town, accelerate slowly and avoid hard braking. Slow and steady driving is more efficient overall and will make your tank last longer. 

Reduce weight in your car

Removing heavy and bulky items from your vehicle will reduce the weight and drag on your car, saving gas consumption. Clean out your trunk to remove unneeded items, and remove cargo containers or bike racks until you need them. 

Check your tires

Properly inflated tires drive better and are more efficient when it comes to gas use! Take a trip to the gas station and fill your tires to the manufacturer's recommended PSI to use less gas this summer. 

Care for your car

Summer is the perfect time to give your vehicle a once-over, especially if you are planning trips. Doing some basic car maintenance will keep it running smoothly and let you use less gas per mile. Check the following to ensure your car is in top shape for summertime driving.

• Coolant system, including hoses and joints.
• Engine belts, look for cracks and loose belts to replace.
• Wipers, easy to replace and critical for visibility in a storm.
• Fluids, including brake, power steering, and windshield washer fluids. 
• AC system, a summertime essential!
• Air filters, replace them yourself or let a mechanic handle it. 
• Tires, keep them properly inflated and in good condition. (Don't forget the spare!)
• Sunshade, keep the inside cool to use less AC.

We hope you can save some money on gas this summer with these tips! 

If there is any way we can save you money on your auto insurance, too, give us a call! Our agents can review your policy to make sure you are getting the most savings possible to reduce your monthly bill. Call our office at (843) 357-7493 or visit us online at homeautoinsurancesc.com.