Saving on Gas

I am a DoorDasher so saving money on gas is imperative. So I thought I'd share some tips on how to keep your gas bill down:

Tips for everyone:

• Upside - It is simple. Open the app and find the best and closest deal. Claim it. Pump your gas and then upload the receipt on Upside. You will get a few cents back per gallon. Yes, it is worth the time, the cents add up!

• Shop around for gas - There are many apps that will find you great prices. Gas Buddy

• Skip buying gas on major highways, those stations usually have a higher price.

• Cash Back Rewards Cards - I use my Dasher Direct card to get a few cents back per gallon.

• Use your gas rewards cards - Almost every gas station has a rewards program.

• Earn discounts when you shop - Some grocery stores have rewards programs that allow you to earn discounts at participating gas stations when you shop.

• Stop idling - DoorDashers - turn your engine off at HotSpots

• Slow down - In town, this means reducing your acceleration rate, and on the highway, keeping your speed to 70 mph, which is crucial because wind resistance significantly impacts your fuel economy beyond this speed.

• Know your roads - The GPS does not always take you the fastest route.

• Perform Regular Maintenance - Worn spark plugs, worn-out tires, and clogged air filters make your car's engine work harder, which can reduce fuel efficiency.

• Using the right grade of motor oil for your engine can improve gas mileage by as much as 2%. Always check your vehicle's owner's manual for the recommended motor oil. Even if your vehicle appears to be running well, you should follow your manufacturer's recommendations for regular maintenance.

• Maintaining proper tire pressure can significantly improve your gas mileage, potentially by up to 3%, according to the Department of Energy. You can find the correct tire pressure in your car's owner's manual.

• Use air conditioning wisely - Using the air conditioning in your car can significantly decrease fuel economy, potentially by 25% or more, according to the Department of Energy. To cool your car more efficiently, try airing it out before getting in, or start your trip with the windows down. Avoid turning on the A/C until you begin driving, as most auto air conditioning systems function better while the car is moving. Set the A/C to the highest temperature that is still comfortable for you, and consider parking in the shade or using window shades to help keep your car cool.

• Drive safely - Aggressive driving can reduce gas mileage by 15% to 40%, according to the Department of Energy. Actions such as speeding, rapid acceleration, and sudden braking not only decrease fuel efficiency but also contribute to accidents and increase wear and tear on your vehicle. In most cars, gas mileage significantly decreases when speeding. Additionally, practicing safe driving habits may qualify you for discounts on car insurance, allowing you to save even more money.

• Maintain a steady speed - Driving at consistent speeds and adhering to speed limits can greatly enhance gas mileage. According to testing by Consumer Reports, maintaining a steady speed of 55 mph can improve fuel economy by 6 to 8 mpg in midsized vehicles compared to driving at 65 mph. To help maintain your speed on highways, consider using cruise control. In urban driving, try to anticipate stops by easing off the gas pedal to slow down gradually instead of braking suddenly.

• Keep your windows up - When your car's windows are down, the engine has to work harder to overcome aerodynamic drag, or wind resistance. According to Consumer Reports, at highway speeds, more than 50 percent of a vehicle’s engine power is used to combat this wind resistance. While open windows increase drag, using a sunroof allows for fresh air without negatively impacting the car's aerodynamics.

• Select the right vehicle for each outing - If you own multiple vehicles, opt for the one that offers the best fuel efficiency whenever you can. Reserve your larger SUV for family trips to Grandma's house, and use your compact for everyday errands, commuting and DoorDashing.

For those not DoorDashing:

• Drive less - To save on gas, consider walking, biking, carpooling, or using public transportation. Driving less may even reduce your car insurance premiums. Many insurance companies offer discounts for driving 10,000 miles or less each year, and some even have pay-per-mile insurance options.

• Plan ahead to minimize the number of car trips you make. If you need to drive, try to combine errands and appointments into a single trip to reduce fuel consumption and avoid making multiple trips.

  
  

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