As of the posting of this blog, the average price of a gallon of gasoline in the United States was $4.30 (ouch).
Unfortunately, if you live in the western United States, then you will pay anywhere between $5 to $6 per gallon.
If the Russian war in Ukraine and the globally economic crippling sanctions on Russia don’t end, gas prices may incrementally rise even more. Even if the threat of wider war ended right now, the price of gasoline will take time to recede.
Let’s keep everything in perspective – people in Ukraine are being slaughtered for the unknown machinations and ambitions of tyrannical madman Vladimir Putin.
And while we are nowhere near the proximity of that war, the consequences of it, which compound daily, are felt by everyone financially.
If you depend on your car daily, here are a few ways you can gas up for a little less.
Gas up With Unleaded Instead of Premium (Unless Specifically Required)
Unless you drive an expensive luxury car, or if your owner’s manual specifically requires it, you should be able to safely switch from premium fuel to unleaded.
Switching from premium to unleaded can save you anywhere between 20 cents and 40 cents per gallon whenever you gas up.
Most modern engines can withstand the switch from premium to unleaded without any technical issues or damage occurring to the engine. Premium gasoline contains additives and chemical detergents that wear away carbon deposits that could accumulate in car engines.
The biggest drawback of switching from premium to unleaded is that your engine will lose than a second from its 0 to 60 MPH rating. Additionally, as long as you accelerate moderately instead of quickly, you should experience a lot of engine knock.
Consult a mechanic when in doubt and check your owner’s manual. Here is a list of 2012 to 2019 car models that specifically require premium fuel.
Think About Where You Are Gassing Up
Gas stations can change gas prices based on demand, location, time of day, and local cost of living.
Refrain from gassing up at gas stations located near highways. You will always pay more per gallon just for convenience. And don’t gas up in affluent neighborhoods or suburbs where local residents aren’t as financially affected by gas hikes.
Pay With Cash Whenever Possible
Many gas stations offer discounts to patrons who always pay for their gas in cash, so ask.
Gas stations, like any establishment, must pay fees to facilitate credit card transactions electronically. These fees are negated whenever you pay in cash and the gas station makes more money in the long run with strictly cash transactions.
Become a Loyal Retail Gas Station Rewards Consumer
There are many grocery and retail stores that have their own gas stations and offer gas station reward benefits to their customers. These stores include, but are not limited to:
- Albertsons
- Safeway
- Kroeger
- Dollar General
Compare every retail gas station in your area to see what rewards and perks they offer. To make the most financial benefits of such offers you must gas up at participating stations loyally all the time.
One popular finance guru claimed that he saved over $1,000 annually on his gas expenses by loyally using retail gas station reward programs.
Depending on the reward program, you gain points on a gas station rewards card for each dollar you spend at the retailer. After accumulating 100 points, or the amount determined by the retailer, you could probably save a buck or more for every gallon of gasoline that you buy.
Be cognizant of rules and guidelines for such retail gas station reward programs. To make the most of such offers you will need to patronize the same retailer gas stations whenever you gas up.
And any unused points usually expire within a month or so, so keep track of them.
Use “Big Box” Gas Stations
As a final note, a lot of the big box stores, such as Costco, Fred Meyer and Sams Club have dedicated gas stations. In Costco’s case, they run the gas at break even, as it helps to attract customers who go into the warehouse stores. These are also excellent options if you want to reliably save gas – usually, their prices are lower than competing gasoline chains.
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Allen Francis was an academic advisor, librarian, and college adjunct for many years with no money, no financial literacy, and no responsibility when he had money. To him, the phrase “personal finance,” contains the power that anyone has to grow their own wealth. Allen is an advocate of best personal financial practices including focusing on your needs instead of your wants, asking for help when you need it, saving and investing in your own small business.