Easy Ways to Save on Gas This Summer - Money Tip Tuesday

What this episode covers

With fuel prices constantly rising, many people are looking for ways to save money on gas. Fortunately, there are practical ways to cut down on gas costs without buying a new car or drastically changing your lifestyle. Let’s break down some smart, realistic strategies that actually work.  Links: Check out TCU University for financial education tips and resources! Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter! Learn more about Triangle Credit Union Transcript: Welcome to Money Tip Tuesday from the Making Money Personal podcast.  Let’s start with driving habits, because this is where many people lose money without realizing it. Things like speeding, rapid acceleration, and hard braking can lower your gas mileage by as much as 10 to 40%, especially in stop-and-go traffic. Driving smoothly and staying close to the speed limit can make a noticeable difference. It’s estimated that every 5 mph over 50 mph is like paying an extra 28 cents per gallon.  Next, don’t skip basic vehicle maintenance. This one isn’t flashy, but it matters. Keeping your car in good shape helps it run more efficiently and burn less fuel. For example, underinflated tires increase rolling resistance and force your engine to work harder. Proper tire pressure alone can improve gas mileage by up to 3%. Using the manufacturer-recommended motor oil and replacing dirty air filters can also improve fuel efficiency by 1–10%, depending on the vehicle. Small fixes really do add up.  Another way to save on gas is to plan out trips and combine errands. Fuel waste often happens before you even start the car. Making multiple short trips—especially with a cold engine—uses more gas than one longer, combined trip. Try planning routes ahead of time and combining errands whenever possible. Using navigation apps to avoid traffic and construction can also save fuel by reducing idle time and stop-and-go driving. Less time on the road means less money spent at the pump.  One of the easiest ways to save money on gas is simply not overpaying for it. Apps like GasBuddy, Waze, and Upside let drivers compare real-time gas prices in their area. GasBuddy alone reports helping users save billions collectively by showing the cheapest stations nearby and offering per-gallon discounts through its Pay with GasBuddy program. Many drivers save anywhere from 10 to 30 cents per gallon, which adds up quickly over a year.  Here’s one people overlook: extra weight and drag cost you money. Carrying unnecessary items in your trunk or using a roof rack when you don’t need it makes your engine work harder. It’s estimated that fuel economy drops about 1% for every 100 pounds of extra weight. Removing roof racks when not in use can also improve highway mileage by reducing aerodynamic drag.  Saving money on gas doesn’t require extreme changes—it’s about stacking small, smart habits. Drive smoothly, keep your car maintained, plan your trips, and take advantage of fuel-saving apps and tools. Over time, those few cents per gallon can turn into hundreds of dollars back in your pocket every year. And that’s money better spent on literally anything else than your gas tank.  If there are any other tips or topics you'd like us to cover, let us know at [email protected]. Also, remember to like and follow our Making Money Personal Facebook and Instagram to share your thoughts. Finally, remember to look for our sponsor, Triangle Credit Union, on Facebook and LinkedIn.           Thanks for listening to today's Money Tip Tuesday. Check out our other tips and episodes on the Making Money Personal podcast.

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