- Guest Contributor
- May 10, 2021
Whether you drive for a living as an independent worker in the gig economy or only operate your vehicle for occasional errands, you want to maximize your gas savings. Spending less money on fuel means you have more money to invest in your savings account or apply to other expenses. Try these tips so you don’t pour all your money into your gas tank.
1. Use Gas Apps
No matter where you drive across the United States or Canada, you can find the cheapest gas in your area with a gas app. Money-saving gas apps include GasBuddy, GasGuru and TruNow. This tool could save you up to $1 or more per gallon. Install the app and search for gas prices at nearby stations before every fill-up. To save even more money, be sure to use your gas station rewards card alongside your favorite gas app.
Bonus Tips: You may need to fill up less often you conserve fuel as you drive. Your vehicle will burn less gas if you stick to the speed limit, avoid unnecessary idling, stop and start gently, use cruise control when possible, and reduce the weight in your vehicle.
2. Get Cash Back
Reward yourself every time you fill your tank with cash back. With a resource like GetUpside, you can save up to 25 cents off every gallon. Other resources that offer you cash back on gas include Trunow, Receipt Hog and Dosh. Read the fine print when you sign up to verify details like the accepted type of payment (usually a debit or credit card that’s connected to your account in the app) and how/when you’ll get your cash.
Bonus Tips: Save even more money on gas by using the most effective octane level for your specific vehicle, which you can find in your owner’s manual. Be sure to secure the gas cap also to reduce costly evaporation.
3. Track Your Mileage
Driving fewer miles can reduce your fuel costs. To figure out how much and how often you generally drive, track your mileage. Every time you get behind the wheel, write down the exact beginning and ending mileage, your destination and the reason for your drive. You can then use this information to understand and economize future drives. Also, keep in mind that in addition to saving money at the fuel pump, this tip makes it easier for you to claim your mileage on your taxes. To learn more, check out Credit Karma Tax and Turbo Tax, two tax filing options for independent workers that help you track your mileage.
Bonus Tips: You can get the most fuel efficiency out of your vehicle with regular maintenance, routine oil changes, and proper tire alignment and inflation. Plan to combine errands and plan your route to conserve fuel and save money, too.
Don’t pour all your money into your gas tank. Use these three tips to maximize your gas savings and conserve money.
About the Author: Jennifer Turner writes web content for a variety of clients. As a gig worker, she understands the benefits and challenges of the industry, which is why she prioritizes daily self-care. Find her at WriterAccess.
