In recent years, there has been a significant surge in gas prices, as someone from California the cost of gasoline has increased more than double! From previously being at a rate of $2 per gallon to a mind boggling to $5.50 per gallon. These hikes are a huge concern as they’ll continue going up according to TheSacramentoBee article.
In this article I will be uncovering the hidden secrets for affordable gas. From joining membership clubs to save up to 30%, maintenance to improve fuel efficiency, and an app to compare the gas prices near you! By incorporating these insider tips, you can start saving and manage your expenses appropriately.
1. Cash is absolute king
The saying “cash is king” is heavily known when it comes to personal finance. Cash is in fact king when it comes to getting gas, instead of using your credit card and other digital payment methods like Apple Pay. Using credit cards can lead to massive losses when looking back at your bank statements and barely realizing how much you would have saved by simply switching to cash.
Scenario A: Saving money with cash
- If you paid with cash $5.20 x 100 gallons = $520
- If you paid with credit card $5.49 x 100 gallons = $549
The number 100 indicates the amount of gallons you pump into your car every two weeks. That being said you are actively spending an additional $58 a month by deciding to use a credit card.
Switch to cash and don’t look back.
2. Credit Cards that offer Rewards & Cashback
Specific credit cards can be a great tool for maximizing cashback rewards. If you are interested in building your credit while also receiving great rewards, than this is the way to go.
These credit cards typically provide a percentage of cashback on your gasoline expenses, allowing you to earn rewards every week. By using your credit cards correctly, you can offset the costs of gas prices, especially at these current highs. Remember to compare different credit cards and understand the pros and cons for each one.
Here are several credit cards that offer excellent benefits that you are tailored for gasoline.
Chase Freedom Flex:
This specific card offers a 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases per quarter, which includes gas stations.
LOW APR, Freedom Flex also offer 0% intro APR for 15 months from the moment the account opened and balance transfers!
Citi Double Cash Card:
This credit card isn’t specifically made for gas purchases, but this card offers a flat 2% cashback on all purchases, making it a great option for everyday use.
No annual fee & 0% APR, Enjoy peace of mind knowing that you have no annual fee and 0% Intro AP for 18months. Balance transfers with absolute 0% APR.
If you don’t want to apply for a card solely for gas purposes and instead for overall savings, than this card may be the best fit for you.
Bank of America Cash Rewards:
With this card you earn 3% cashback in a category that you choose, giving you the option in which route you’ll like to take, including gas stations. This card offers up to $2500 of buying power in that specific category, or grocery, stores, wholesale clubs in each quarter.
NO APR for 18months, 0% introductory APR for the first 18 statement closing dates following the opening of your account.
Wells Fargo Propel American Express:
This card is excellent for gas purchases, along with many more bonus categories, such as traveling, eating out and much more.
Points, Get 3X points for popular streaming service, ordering in and eating out, and the best one yet at gas stations making this card an amazing credit card.
3. Membership Clubs Offers Huge Savings
When it comes to saving on gas, there are many afforadable memberships out there that assist you in receiving the most discounted gasoline on the market and by doing so will maximize your savings.
Here are some of my favorite:
- Costco Membership: Not only does a Costco membership provides amazing deals for your groceries, but it also offers huge savings for gasoline. By becoming a Costco member, you gain access to their low fuel prices, in fact Costco gasoline prices are approximately 40 cents cheaper per gallon as compared to other gas stations.
- Sam’s Club Membership: Sam’s Club is very similar to its competitor Costco by providing not only high quality food but also discounted fuel prices.
- AAA Membership: Besides offering amazing roadside assistance service, AAA offers many benefits such as discounted gas prices. Partnered gas stations allows members to access extremely low prices. if you are a AAA member than you qualify for the discounted gas stations.
- Walmart Rewards Card: Walmart also offers a membership program called Walmart+. It primarily focuses on benefits such as free shipping and discounts through online purchase, Walmart+ members could receive huge savings at participating Walmart’s through the USA gas stations. In fact the prices are the same prices as Costco members.
4. Fill up at a Certain Time
The best time to pump gas is important for the best quality and lasting.
- Cooler Temperatures: It is highly recommended to pump gas in the early morning. The ground temperature remains lower, which will cause denser fuel. Denser fuel means you’ll be getting more fuel per gallon, providing a lot more value.
- Look for Tank Refills: When you see a gas station receiving fresh fuel. It is best to wait a couple of days before pumping gas there, so you allow any settled sediments to settle back down, in which results a cleaner fuel for your vehicle.
- Pump Gas Midweek: Pumping gas midweek, is great if you want to reduce the chances of getting fuel being stirred up due to high traffic. Making sure the quality of the gasoline is top notched.
5. Car maintenance is very important
Believe it or not the current condition of your car can massively cause you to lose gasoline at a quicker rate.
To ensure that you don’t waste unnecessary gas, here are some maintenance tasks you should consider.
- Check tire pressure: Properly inflated tires can greatly improve your fuel efficiency. If your tires are uneven with pressure, your vehicle will be required to use more fuel to operate causing you to lose a lot more gasoline.
- Change air filers: I am quite guilty and I have yet to change my air filter, a clogged or dirty air filter restricts proper airflow to the engine. In which will affect your fuel combustion causing you to lose more gas than you should.
- Minimize excess weight: Don’t be carrying bicycles, luggage’s and more simply because you’re to lazy to take them off. Removing unnecessary items from your car that are heavy, will assist your car in spending less of your fuel.
- Drive with better habits: If you accelerate quickly, suddenly braking, and excessive speeding than all those will contribute to higher fuel consumption. Try to drive smoothly, maintain a decent speed, and overall be safe.
6. Gas Comparison App
There are several useful apps available that can help you compare gas prices near you. Here are some popular ones:
- GasBuddy: is the most well known app that allows you to search for gas prices at the most affordable rate.
- Waze: Known mostly as a navigation app, also includes an amazing feature that allows users to compare gas prices, helping you finding the most affordable gas stations.
- Gas Guru: Is another app that provides gas prices based on your current location. They also offer an easy-to-use interface in which allows you to filter results by fuel grade and amenities.
7. Stop Underestimate the Metro
The metro provides many benefits for transportation. It offers not only quick travel times but also enhanced safety measures and affordability. The main advantage is the no parking struggles commonly faced when driving in the Los Angeles area.
Although the popularity of metro usage has significantly dropped over the years, it still remains as a excellent option that is both cost-effective and time-efficient.
I highly recommend giving it a try to experience firsthand the convenience it offers.
To Conclude:
In conclusion, we have explored seven effective strategies to assist you in maximizing your gas savings. We have discussed key points ranging from car maintenance to valuable secrets. I hope you have found the content insightful and informative. Thank you for taking the time to read this, and I hope you have gained valuable knowledge from it.
