With inflation and the rise of groceries and the costs of goods, Casey’s Team in Chantilly, VA, has compiled a list of ways to save money as the gas pump. Take a look at the tips we’ve included below so that your wallet doesn’t feel the pinch at the pump!
Pay with Cash
Between the ease of swiping plastic and not having to walk to the cashier to provide pre-payment, many of us barely travel with cash these days. The thing is, credit card processors charge transaction fees to the gas station. The gas stations then push the costs onto the consumer. Gasbuddy.com says you can save between $0.10 – $0.15 per gallon by paying with cash.
Loyalty Programs – Use Them
If using cash is not your forte, various credit card companies offer rewards for buying gas with their cards. And, speaking of GasBuddy, they offer a card capable of saving up to $0.25 per gallon!
Similarly, in conjunction with grocery stores, many gas stations offer reward programs—for example, Giant and Safeway.
Find the Cheapest Gas Near You
Gas prices vary between gas stations. Various factors come into play when they price their gas, such as the proximity to a major highway. Often, free apps such as GasBuddy and Waze offer a way to show you the price per gallon of the closest gas stations near you by way of geolocation.
Schedule Your Fill-Up Days
In anticipation of the weekend, Thursdays are the most popular day for gas station visits. Given supply and demand, many gas stations tend to raise their prices on Thursdays. Multiple studies have shown gas prices rise throughout the weekends by as much as $0.08 to $0.09 per gallon.
Follow the 10-second Rule & Limit Idle Time
Often, when we stop to pick up a friend, drive-thru to pick up food or drop a letter into the mailbox, our vehicles will idle for more than ten seconds. Many late-model vehicles offer a stop-start system where the vehicle will automatically shut down the engine when coming to a stop, then restart when the brake pedal is released.
Opposite to popular belief, idling uses more fuel than restarting the engine. Suppose your car or truck does not offer a stop-start system. In that case, turning off your engine after a count of ten seconds is recommended, but only if you can do so safely and without risking an angry driver or being rear-ended by an impatient driver behind you in the drive-thru.
Don’t Top Off the Gas
For many drivers who set the gas handle to automatically disengage at the end of filling up, squeezing out every single last drop of gas into your tank is a tempting act. However, those extra drops will likely evaporate or even splash out. That is just a simple waste of pennies!
Check the Health of the Gas Tank Cap
While on the topic of evaporating gas, the gas tank cap is often the main suspect. A loosely screwed-on cap or one that has worn and damaged sealing elements will cause the gas in your tank to seep out. Always ensure you hear a click when tightening the cap after the fill-up.
Remove Clutter & Extra Weight
Are you the outdoorsy type who has a bike or roof rack for your weekend activities? It can be a pain, but your daily commute keeps you on; remove them from the vehicle. Regarding the effect weight has on gas mileage, even just 100 pounds of extra weight can make a huge difference by using much more fuel. So, items such as books, backpacks, sports equipment, tool, and cargo boxes, are doing you no money-saving favors.
If your Chantilly, VA, area daily commute requires highway speeds and cargo boxes, having them mounted on the rear end can reduce fuel use by up to 5%. For roof-mounted cargo boxes, fuel use can reduce by up to 17%.
Tire Pressure Matters
Proper management of the manufacturer’s suggested tire pressure (PSI) makes fuel efficiency much more accessible. Underinflated tires require the engine to work harder. Not only will you lose gas with a poor PSI, but it can also cause uneven wear or damage.
Steady as She Goes
When a car or truck reaches speeds of up to 45 or 50 MPH, fuel efficiency lessens. While on the highway, and if it is safely engaged, using the cruise control can assist in reducing gas usage by keeping it steady. Any quick acceleration or hard, rapid braking will eat up fuel quickly!
Perform Regular Maintenance
As previously mentioned, regular maintenance is crucial for vehicle health and saving money. Components such as failing spark plugs, dirty oil, air filters, and fluids can all cause your vehicle to work harder, thereby using more fuel. When a vehicle is regularly maintained, it will not only run better but also save you money on future repairs.
Automotive Maintenance at Casey’s Automotive in Chantilly, Virginia
Times are tough for many across the country and in Northern Virginia. The list you just read is one way we hope to be able to assist our customers with getting through these trying times. When you’re ready to schedule regular automotive maintenance, contact us. We’ll get your vehicle fore in for service and provide you with a complimentary inspection report covering more than forty areas of your vehicle. The more you know, the better prepared your wallet can be!
