The 7 Best Ways to Slash the Rapidly Rising Cost of Gas

Melissa Neiman

Sat, May 4, 2019, 8:00 AM

Gas prices have ignited since the start of the year.

Earlier this week, AAA reported that the national average gas price was $2.88 a gallon — a new high for 2019.

While that price is only 7 cents more than a year earlier, it’s nearly 20 cents more than one month ago and 63 cents more than at the start of 2019.

AAA explained on Monday:

“One week after the U.S. State Department announced the end of waivers for countries to import oil from Iran, increasing crude oil prices and pump prices show no signs of slowing down.”

As the price of gas climbs, you need to find ways to fight back. Even small savings can be a real boon for your budget.

With that in mind, we present the best ways to save money on gas every time you pull up to the pump.

1. Use a smartphone app

Technology has been a benefit to frugal folks everywhere. Finding the best deal on clothing, restaurants and grocery items has never been easier. Your smartphone also can help you find the best deal on gas.

For example, the app GasBuddy can help you uncover the lowest gas price in your area. And such savings can be large. I have found that prices in the area near my Colorado home can differ by as much as 19 cents per gallon from one gas station to another.

2. Break your bad driving habits

Accelerating quickly and braking hard can lower your gas mileage by roughly 15% to 30% at highway speeds and 10% to 40% in heavy traffic.

So learning to avoid such maneuvers can significantly reduce the amount of gas you use and thus enable you to buy gas less often.

3. Open a gas rewards credit card

This works best for people who always go to the same gas station. If you exhibit such loyalty, applying for the appropriate credit card can net you substantial savings on gas prices over the course of a year.

Of course, that assumes you pay off your bill in full every month, avoiding interest charges. If you do, use a free online resource like Money Talks News’ credit card search tool to explore gas rewards credit cards. Select “Gas Rewards” from the menu on the left to limit the search results to that type of card.

4. Don’t buy premium gas unless it’s required

A 2018 AAA report found that drivers collectively waste $2.1 billion per year on high-octane gas. In other words, they paid extra for premium gas even though it wasn’t required or even recommended for their cars.

AAA advises saving your money and only buying premium gas if your car requires it. In fact, paying for it when it’s not required is one of the mistakes we cite in “The 3 Worst Money Mistakes You Make at Gas Stations.”